Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

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, 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.

Abstract: 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.

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 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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).

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for supervising access to a restricted area, including at least one obstacle that is mobile between a deployed configuration, in which said obstacle extends across a passageway for the entry and/or exit to/from said restricted area, and a stowed configuration in which said obstacle is removed from said passageway. The system also includes a unit for driving the obstacle between the deployed configuration and the stowed configuration, a device for measuring the position of the obstacle, and a module for controlling the drive unit. The control module is suitable for comparing the measured position of the obstacle at at least one moment in time with a theoretical position of the obstacle at said moment in time, and to derive a rule for controlling the drive unit.

Abstract: A system and method is provided to index the door window glass of a vehicle to disengage the glass from the window sealing interface prior to opening the door. A door latch including an unlatching lever selectively connectable to the inside and outside door handles is configured such that moving either handle to actuate the latch causes an initial change in the position of the unlatching lever prior to latch release. A sensor in the latch detects the initial change in position of the unlatching lever and signals an indexing mechanism to move the glass to the indexed position prior to latch release, such that the glass does not substantially interfere with the sealing interface when the door is moved from a closed position. The system may be configured such that the door lock mechanism must be unlocked prior to the indexing mechanism moving the window to an indexed position.

Abstract: A personnel access-control device in the form of a turnstile (1) has one or more blocking arms (2, 3) connected to a main shaft (5) mounted in a carrier (4). The blocking arms (2, 3) assume a blocking position and at least one free position in dependence upon the rotation of the main shaft (5). Each blocking arm (2, 3) includes a flat component (6, 7) that is mounted to rotate about its longitudinal axis (8, 9) in dependence upon the rotation of the main shaft (5). In the blocking position of the blocking arms (2, 3), a pre-defined angular position of the flat component (6, 7) with respect to the perpendicular direction is achieved, and in the free position, the flat component (6, 7) is rotated such that passage of a person is allowed and/or that the passage width is not limited.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for the at least partial closing of an opening (2) of a room comprising a closing element (3) which is placeable sealingly on an opening bottom (1) and is guided vertically movable in guides (4), which are arranged vertically on both sides of the opening (2), between an open position in a upper area of the opening (2) and a closed position on the opening bottom (2) and which is connected to at least one counterweight (5), by means of which the closing element (3) is held motionless in its particular position without an additional force acting on the closing element (3). According to the invention, the closing element (3) is coupled to at least one pneumatic, hydraulic, and/or motor drive unit (8) for moving the closing element (3).

Abstract: A child safety device for a casement window includes a handle-driven gear reduction assembly having a sensor gear driven at a reduced speed relative to the handle, a sensor arm driven by the sensor gear of the gear reduction assembly and a slider movable between a stop position where rotation of the handle is prevented and a retracted position where rotation is allowed. A spring biases the slider towards the stop position. The slider is held in the retracted position by a catch and is released by the sensor arm to prevent further opening of the window when the sensor gear reaches a predetermined location. The safety device resets when the window is closed and can be overridden to allow full opening of the window by an adult. In the preferred design, the child safety device is a cover that can replace the cover of an existing casement window operator.

Abstract: A vehicle door latch assembly includes a first proximity sensor on a first side of a door handle and a second proximity sensor on a second side of the door handle. The assembly also includes a latch operative to latch the door closed and to unlatch the door to allow the door to open. The assembly further includes control circuitry for activating the latch to unlatch the door based on an object such as an operator's hand sensed with both the first and second proximity sensors.

Abstract: A motorized closure assembly is provided that includes an opening frame configured to fit around the opening; a substantially rectangular closure slab having a closure slab frame configured to surround the substantially rectangular closure slab and sealingly fit within the opening frame; and a motorized driver, wherein the motorized driver is entirely embedded within the closure slab frame or within a combination of the closure slab frame and the opening frame, the motorized driver configured to slidably move the slab between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has an openable door and a frameless door glass system comprising a moveable glass operable in two stages of engagement with a seal. The first stage provides a vertical gap between the glass and the seal prior to the door being opened and the second stage increases the level of engagement between the glass and seal relative the first stage upon detection of a predetermined event, such as a predetermined vehicle speed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an entry or exit gate system (1) with a column (2) to which a shut-off device (3) is attached, wherein a drive (4), a control system (5) and an angle measurement system (6) are provided, and wherein the entry or exit gate system (1) further has a brake (7) which acts on the shut-off device (3). The brake (7), depending on position, is driven with a variable power Px, with a sufficient braking effect nevertheless being achieved in each position.

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 garage door opening module is disclosed, the module comprises a power unit having a rotatable output drive, an endless transmission drive adapted to transfer movement from the rotatable output drive to a door drive, and a sensor mechanism positioned along the endless transmission drive and adapted to sense a transmission drive slack, the sensor mechanism adapted to stop the power unit when a transmission drive slack displacement threshold is reached. A method for actuating a garage door and a sensor module for preventing movements of an assisted garage door are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a motorized flap, wherein the flap arrangement comprises a flap which may be a pivotable flap, a drive arrangement associated with the flap and a control arrangement associated with the drive arrangement, wherein the deflection of the flap is limited in at least one first direction of movement, by a mechanical end stop on the motor vehicle side, wherein the motorized flap movement in the first direction of movement is limited by means of the control arrangement by an end stop provided by control technology, in order to prevent the flap from running in a motorized manner in the first direction of movement into the mechanical end stop.

Abstract: A thermal shutter system comprises a plurality of elongate shutters (1). The shutters are mounted for rotation about the elongate direction thereof and are mounted for movement in a direction substantially perpendicular to the elongate direction. Each shutter is movable independently of the other shutter or shutters.

Abstract: An electronic door latch includes a sensor mounted inside of an outer surface of the door. The sensor may be a proximity sensor, a touch sensor or other suitable sensor configured to determine if a user's hand is present. The door latch release system further includes a powered latch that selectively retains the door latch in a closed position. The system may include a handle formed by a flange or other structure extending across a portion of a recess or pocket in the door. The system may include a receiver that utilizes a signal from a security transmitter (e.g. keyless entry fob).

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a furniture part in a movable manner on a furniture body, having a drive unit, a control unit, and a sensor device which interacts with the control unit, wherein the movable furniture part can be moved in an opening direction and a closing direction in a driven manner relative to the furniture body. The drive unit is coupled to the movable furniture part and drives the movable furniture part in a drive mode of the drive unit. The control unit and the sensor device are designed such that, when the apparatus is in the assembled use state, the sensor device identifies an action by an operator on the movable furniture part from the outside as an action with the purpose of moving the furniture part in a manner which can be predefined by the operator and provides a corresponding sensor signal to the control unit.

Abstract: An open-close member control apparatus is to prevent a foreign matter from being trapped to a window glass serving as an open-close member that is driven to open by manipulation of a manipulation switch. When a trapping detection section determines that the foreign matter is trapped to the window glass, power supply to a driving device is stopped to stop opening of the window glass. Then, it is determined whether a predetermined condition is satisfied for approving re-open of the window glass. When the predetermined condition is satisfied, the power supply to the driving device is re-started. Opening of the window glass is thereby enabled again.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a garage door is presented. An alarm system includes an antenna mounted to a garage door. A signal generator logic generates a periodic signal based on a capacitive value of the antenna. The signal generator logic also provides transmit power to the antenna that is radiated away from the garage door. A detection logic detects if there is a change in a characteristic of the periodic signal caused by movement in proximity of the garage door. Amplification logic amplifies the change of the periodic signal. Alarm detection logic determines if the change is an alarm and an alarm response logic will stop a movement of the garage door when the change is an alarm resulting from movement near the door.

Abstract: A sliding door drive assembly is provided for a vehicle. The assembly includes at least one grooveless drum. The drum has a cable wrap surface and is rotatable to wind cable thereon and unwind cable therefrom. A guide is positioned to be aligned generally with a first axial edge of the cable wrap surface. As cable is wrapped on the drum, the angle of the cable (due to the position of the guide) biases the cable towards the first axial edge, so that successive wraps of cable are snuggly positioned adjacent prior wraps. In another aspect, a cable drum includes a ramp at a second axial edge of the cable wrap surface, which guides the cable radially outwardly to start a second layer of wraps of cable on the first layer of wraps. In another aspect, an absolute position sensor is provided for a powered sliding door.

Abstract: A door system for an aircraft or spacecraft having a door and an actuator for actuating the door. The actuator includes an actuator drive which moves the door in relation to the aircraft or spacecraft, a detection device which determines movement information of the door and/or of the actuator, an actuator control unit which controls the actuator based on the movement information, and an actuator housing which surrounds the actuator drive and the actuator control unit.

Abstract: A door closer assembly is provided, including a valve regulating an amount of hydraulic fluid that flows through the valve. The amount of hydraulic fluid flowing through the valve controls a force generated by the door closer assembly on a door. A first sensor measures an angular position of the door, and a second sensor measures an angular position of the valve. The angular position of the valve determines the amount of hydraulic fluid flowing through the valve. A controller controls the adjustment of the valve based on the angular position of the door and the angular position of the valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing an indication of movement from a sensor signal from a position transmitter (9), wherein the indication of movement indicates a speed of movement, wherein the sensor signal from the position transmitter (9) generates an edge following a movement via a particular path range having the following steps:—a pulse duration (dT) is ascertained (S1) as the interval of time between the last two provided edges of the sensor signal;—depending on whether a period which corresponds to the pulse duration (dT) has elapsed since the last provided edge of the sensor signal, an indication which is dependent on the pulse duration (dT) or an indication which is dependent on the period since the last edge of the sensor signal is provided (S4, S6) as an indication of movement.

Abstract: A pet door with locking flaps, or lockable pet door. The lockable pet door includes a barrier flap surrounded by one or more locking flaps mounted in the pet door frame. The locking flaps, the barrier flap, and the pet door frame cooperate to provide selective direction control allowing ingress, egress, both, or neither. Each locking flap is independently and selectively attached to the frame of the pet door to prevent movement of the locking flap. Each locking flap defines a through opening. In use, the animal passes through the locking flap on the entry side of the pet door and the locking flap on the exit side moves with the barrier flap. When locked, each locking flap prevents the barrier flap from pivoting to that side of the pet door blocking passage in that direction.

Abstract: A movable barrier system with a moving-barrier imminent motion notification includes a movable barrier and a movable barrier operator connected to control movement of the movable barrier between a first position and a second position. To reduce user dissatisfaction with the moving-barrier imminent motion notification, communications to the movable barrier operator include information to assist the operator in determining whether to operate the moving-barrier imminent motion notification in combination with moving the door or to specifically command that the moving-barrier imminent motion notification operate or not. The communication may include a signal or input separate from and in addition to a typical command signal or input to the operator.

Abstract: Example safety barrier systems for vehicle loading docks comprise a retractable flexible barrier with a special powered latching mechanism that locks the barrier in place and prevents it from being retracted under certain hazardous dock conditions. In some examples, the barrier cannot be retracted when there is no vehicle at the dock while the dock's door is open. In some examples, an alarm is energized when concurrently the door is open, the barrier is retracted and there is no vehicle at the dock.

Abstract: A method is provided for lowering a window pane that is lowered from a starting position by a defined distance by means of a window lifter in a motor vehicle door body after a state signal is received. The state signal is triggered by the actuation of a seatbelt buckle. By using the seatbelt buckle for the purposes of emitting the signal, the window panes are lowered by a defined distance only if the motor vehicle operator or other motor vehicle occupants want to exit the motor vehicle with a high degree of probability.