Abstract: A door release system including a capacitive circuit that includes a touch bar, a microprocessor within the touch bar programmed with noise-discrimination software to sense touching of the bar, and at least one micro-switch within the bar to function as a back-up that picks up movement of the bar to release the latch should the capacitive circuit fail. Optionally, a sign illuminated by LEDs and an antimicrobial coating/treatment may be applied to the bar. The system is intended for use on magnetically locked doors. The addition of the micro-switches that are actuatable by continued movement on the touch bar after the bar is initially touched provides a redundant access function initiated by other than the capacitive effect of human touch, which is expected to simplify use and ease accessibility for personnel with prosthetics or who may otherwise have their hands occupied.

Abstract: A method of controlling the motion of a moveable door includes determining the direction that the door is moving with respect to its anticipated closed position, and based on the direction, regulating an amount of force that is available to the door for its motion. The method may further include monitoring the position of the door as it is moving, and adjusting the motion of the door and regulating the amount of force available to the door for its motion, based on the calculated difference between the door's position as detected during monitoring and its expected position.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an object 20 in an area adjacent a doorway includes a plurality of transducers US1, US2 mounted proximate the doorway and a processor 40. At least one of the transducers US1 is positioned to repeatedly transmit signals T1 toward an area adjacent the doorway. At least two of the transducers US1, US2 are positioned to repeatedly receive R1, R2 return signals. The processor 40 is operably connected to the plurality of transducers for detecting, in the area adjacent the doorway, an object 20 by determining the object's: position based upon one or more determined distances d1, d2 derived from times between transmission of signals and reception of corresponding return signals; and/or movement based upon transmission of signals and Doppler shift in the reception of corresponding return signals.

Abstract: A revolving security door includes a drum defining a secure zone between door openings controlled by a revolving door disposed within the drum and wherein light curtain sensors and active infrared sensors may detect an intruder moving from a non-secure side of the doorway to the secure side and detect objects left behind in a secure zone. Methods of operation prevent persons or objects from passing from the non-secure side to the secure side of the doorway.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for door hardware, such as a pushbar exit device, includes a driver for moving a component of the door hardware, a controller for controlling the operation of the driver, a sensor for detecting motion of the moving component and a spring connected between the driver and the door hardware component. The spring allows the driver to move for a period of time after the component has stopped moving. The controller monitors the sensor and moves the component until the sensor indicates that the driven component has stopped moving. The sensor produces an output signal and the controller detects an inflection point in the output signal when the component stops moving while the driver is still operating.

Abstract: A passage barrier includes at least one barrier element that can be swivelled around a swivelling axis inside a swivelling area; at least one sensor technology that detects the presence of a person in the swivelling area and that comprises at least one sending unit emitting detection waves, at least one reception unit providing output signals and an electronic evaluation unit for evaluating the output signals of the reception unit. The sending unit and the reception unit are located such that a detection wave of the detection waves extends from the sending unit through the barrier element in the swiveling area to the reception unit and wherein the barrier element is at least partially made of a detection wave transparent material. A method is also provided for operating the passage barrier.

Abstract: A first door corresponds to a first section of a vehicle and can open/close a first access to the first section. At least one barrier corresponds to a second door of the vehicle, where the second door corresponds to a second section and the at least one barrier can open/close a second access to the second section. The first section is connected to the second section to allow air to pass therebetween. A coupling between the first door and the at least one barrier operates the at least one barrier to open the corresponding second access in response to the first door being opened and operates the at least one barrier to close the corresponding second access in response to the first door being closed. The corresponding second access allows air to exit the first section and the second section as the first door is closed.

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

Abstract: The present invention is a system for high torque operation of a movable barrier utilizing a compact hub motor device, which may be directly coupled to a movable barrier without the use of additional gearing systems. The flat geometry provides high dynamic acceleration with short electrical and mechanical time constants, and its planetary gearing system implemented within the device allows for compact, more efficient access systems. Eliminating a gear system in accordance with the present invention lowers maintenance requirements, increases efficiency, and streamlines operation of movable barriers.

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

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

Abstract: A multi doorlock includes a doorlock unit (200) installed to a hinged door (100), a non-powered DC motor (300) installed to the doorlock unit, and links (400) (410) having one ends connected to the DC motor and the other ends installed to a doorframe, the links being folded or unfolded with each other when the hinged door is closed or opened. The doorlock unit (200) frequently changes a braking resistance of the DC motor (300) while the hinged door (100) is opened or closed, thereby controlling an opening/closing speed of the hinged door. A relay switch (700) is connected to both ends of a power line (330) of the DC motor (300) to short the DC motor on occasions. When it is intended to fix the hinged door (100), the relay switch (700) is operated to short the DC motor (300) such that the hinged door is not moved.

Abstract: A light barrier housing is provided in a light barrier for monitoring an automatically driven architectural closure. In order to reduce mounting work, a cable connection having at least one clamped connection is provided.

Abstract: A controlled gate system is comprised of a barrier arm which is pivotally connected to a first fixed support. A motion detector is secured to a second fixed support spaced a predetermined distance from the first fixed support and in alignment therewith to create a restricted passageway with the barrier arm normally resting in an obstructing position within the passageway. The barrier arm is arrested at the obstructing position by a solenoid actuated latch which is disengaged by the motion detector. The arc of displacement of the barrier arm is also restricted to permit passage through the passageway in a single direction. Under certain conditions a controller will permit the barrier arm to be disengaged to permit passage in the passageway in opposed directions. The motion detector of the preferred embodiment is constituted by a further barrier arm.

Abstract: This door includes a device that permits air to flow through the door in one direction but prevents this flow of air in the opposite direction. On the attached illustration, the door includes at least a window (74), that less air pass through as well as an elastic membrane (76) covering window (74). Elastic membrane (76) includes on the one hand an area that is airtight facing window (74) and capable of fully covering it and on the other hand, an area that is pervious to air near the impervious area.

Abstract: A door has a rotatable shell wall that is at least in part cylindrically shaped and is provided with an entrance and an exit. The rotatable shell wall is rotatable to a preselected stationary position at which the rotatable shell wall can be arrested and at which stationary position the door is usable for both ingress and egress.

Abstract: An automatic storm shutter. A shutter is hingeadly attached to a wall over a structure opening. An actuator is attached to the shutter, and releasably engaged with a support, which is rigidly attached to the wall. When external atmospheric pressure descends, as would happen at the approach of a wind storm such as a tornado, gas pressure within the actuator automatically releases the actuator from the support, which permits the shutter to quickly close as urged by gravity, to cover the structure opening and protect it from storm winds. An alternate embodiment is disclosed wherein one or more additional shutters are installed below the automatic storm shutter. The shutters are mutually attached with an elongate member. When the automatic storm shutter automatically closes, so also do the shutters below.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for driving a roller-shutter door having a drive mechanism. The method comprises the activation of a circuit in response to an external stimuli to a switch. This actuates a timer and raises a timing bar. A cable passes across the timing bar and is connected to the switch on one end and to a solenoid on a second end. The cable passes through a top portion of a rocker arm assembly having a one-way bearing. The solenoid is actuated as a result of the raising of the timing bar; and activates the one-way bearing to cause the door to be raised to a pre-set position for a pre-set period of time. To reverse the door, the timer bar is dropped after the lapse of the pre-set period of time. The solenoid is re-activated and reverses the one-way bearing.

Abstract: A safety door, door lock and door lock release mechanism for preventing a child from opening a door while permitting an adult to do so includes a weight sensor and a height sensor for unlocking a locked door. An alarm is used to indicate a child's attempt to open the door and a sensor for sensing a dangerous condition such as smoke or carbon monoxide is also provided for unlocking the door in the event of a dangerous condition and activating a more discernable alarm at that time.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting closed spaces from flooding or contaminations comprising: a moveable closing element (100) for spaces associated to a corresponding fixed element (101) and adapted to engage therewith during the step of closing; an appropriate peripheral seal (10) with an internal section either hollow or formed by porous material and positioned at the gap existing, in closing position, between said moveable element (100) and the corresponding fixed element (101); at least one transducer element (11), associated to said moveable closing element, adapted to measure the value of one or more physical-chemical parameters; inflation means (13) adapted to modulate the pressure of the fluid contained in the cavity or in the porosity of said seal (10); a control module (12), associated to said at least one transducer element (11) and adapted to drive said inflation means (13).

Abstract: A method of controlling an operation of an induction actuated container cover includes the steps of (a) normally retaining a cover panel of the container cover in a closed position; (b) detecting a target movement of a user by a sensor; (c) generating a first actuating signal to an actuation unit when the sensor detects the target movement of the user; (d) generating an actuation output from the actuation unit to the cover panel of the container cover, wherein the actuation output contains a decelerating and torque enhancing force which moves the cover panel of the container cover at an opened position; (e) pivotally actuating the cover panel of the container cover at the opened position via the actuation output to expose a storage cavity, and (f) generating a second actuating signal to pivotally actuate the cover panel of the container cover back to the closed position.

Abstract: A refrigerator equipped with a door opening device opening doors by driving a motor and a method of controlling the same. In the method of controlling the refrigerator includes a door opening device including a plurality of sliding bars selectively opening first and second doors, a motor opening the first door or the second door by moving back and forth the sliding bars in directions opposite to each other, a plurality of position detectors detecting at least one protrusion provided at one side of the sliding bar, a switch unit inputting door opening signals, and a controller controlling operation of the first door and the second door according to the door opening signals. If door opening signals used to open the first and second doors, the door opening device is controlled so that the first and second doors are easily open/closed.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an overhead stowage bin compartment in a mobile platform, such as a commercial aircraft. A motor is operatively coupled to the compartment for moving the compartment between open and closed positions. A remotely located control system is in communication with the motor and supplies a current signal to the motor to drive the motor. The control system monitors operation of the motor and senses when the compartment is obstructed by sensing the current being supplied to the motor. The control system also senses a position of the compartment and, along with the computed required current, uses this information to determine if the weight of the compartment exceeds a predetermined maximum threshold.

Abstract: A receiving method is provided comprising the following steps. First, a receiving device is provided, wherein the receiving device comprises a chamber, a plurality of spacers, a spacer moving module, a first cover unit, a second cover unit, a control unit and an input interface. Then, an order is inputted to the input surface, wherein the input surface sends a control signal according to the order, and the control unit controls movements of the first cover unit, the second cover unit and the spacer moving module according to the control signal.

Abstract: An active body ventilation system which is dynamically responsive to vehicle status parameters, including for example the door open/closed status and the HVAC system status. An active ventilation unit is attached with a body wall which includes a portal housing defining a portal, a portal cover and a portal cover actuator for selectively adjusting the portal cover to thereby increase or decrease the unobstructed size of the opening of the portal. The active ventilation unit is interfaced electronically to various sensors of the motor vehicle, in which programming of an electronic control module determines optimum positioning of the portal covering via selective actuation of the portal cover actuator.

Abstract: A garage door assembly including a door for enclosing an opening, and a mechanism for selectively deploying the door in a closed position to cover the opening, and an open position with the door stored leaving the opening open. A position reading assembly monitors a position of the door with respect to the opening. The position reading assembly includes a controller and three switches in communication with the controller. The switches are positioned such that movement of the door actuates the three switches and, in turn, the controller divides the door into eight virtual zones between the closed and open positions.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator having a motor controller (10) and motor (11) that control selective movement of a movable barrier (12) also has an obstacle detector (14) that utilizes an automatically determined excess force threshold value to permit reliable detection of an obstacle under a wide variety of operational circumstances, including changing physical circumstances, aging components, temperature variations, and motor runtime. In a preferred embodiment, a characteristic force value for the system is frequently updated as a function of actual measured force requirements (and further compensated, pursuant to various embodiments, with respect to other conditions such as temperature and motor runtime). This characteristic force value is then utilized to determine the excess force threshold value.

Abstract: An apparatus includes: an opening and closing mechanism that opens or closes an opening section of the apparatus; a first movable body that is moved in accordance with the operation of opening and closing the opening section by the opening and closing mechanism; a movement detector that detects the movement amount of the first movable body; a controller that determines whether or not the opening section is closed, on the basis of the detected movement amount; a second movable body disposed in the apparatus and movable; and a movement transmitting mechanism which moves the first movable body in accordance with the movement of the second movable body in a state in which the opening section is closed, and does not move the first movable body in accordance with the movement of the second movable body in a state in which the opening section is opened.

Abstract: The invention proposes a sliding door for cold stores, in particular deep-freeze stores, which ensures good sealing around the frame, the intention being to avoid damage when a vehicle drives through too quickly when the door is not in a fully open state. This is achieved according to the invention in that at least one door leaf of the cold-store sliding door has at least one rigid region and at least one flexible region.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an electronically controlled hatch system for safe ingress, egress, hazard detection, and methods thereof are provided to reduce or eliminate hazards to personnel, including protection of people above and below a scuttle hatch, access port, skylight or elevated deck. Said hatch system reduces the risk of falls while ascending or descending a ladder through an access port. In certain embodiments, severe weather, hazard, security, and other safety information are detected and transmitted to a central control unit for processing and regulating the opening and closing of a hatch covering the access port and/or raising and lowering a safety railing system based on said information and/or user input.

Abstract: A light-emitter emits light into a door opening of an automatic door system. A light-receiver receives light from the light-emitter which has passed through the door opening and develops a light-reception indicative signal. A door controller causes the light-emitter to stop emitting light and, thereafter, start emitting light. An auxiliary sensor is judged to be operating in order when the light-receiver does not develop light-reception indicative signal in a state where the light-emitter is not emitting light, and, thereafter, develops a light-reception indicative signal when the light-emitter resumes emitting light; otherwise, the auxiliary sensor is judged to be out of order.

Abstract: An emergency evacuation system includes one or more walkways that extend from a first multi-story building, at designated floor levels above the ground floor, to an adjacent multi-story building. The emergency walkway has a series of interconnecting, telescopically extendable sections that are normally stowed in a retracted arrangement within the first building. When the emergency walkway is deployed, safety walls raise and lock into an operable, vertical position along the entire length of the walkway, from the first building to the adjacent building. The system may include a rotatable base at the first building to allow adjusted angular positioning of the extended walkway so that the opposite end of the emerging walkway docks at the desired location on the side of the adjacent building. Emergency access to both the first building and the adjacent building, at opposite ends of the walkway, is normally closed and only opens when the emergency evacuation system is deployed.

Abstract: An arrangement comprises a housing, in particular of a cooling and/or freezing device, a door which is articulated to the housing so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis of a hinge, and at least one drive device for pivoting the door relative to the housing, with the drive device comprising a drive unit by means of which a moment is exertable on the door relative to the hinge axis via at least one force transmission means.

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

Abstract: A 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: A method for calibrating a powered actuator for use in a vehicle is provided, with regard to an end position of an actuating element which is easy to achieve and conserves easily damaged mechanical components of the actuator made from plastic, rubber or similar. According to an example embodiement, in a calibrating step, the actuator is operated with recording and analysis of an actuation speed measured parameter such that the actuating element is moved in the direction of the end position and reaching the end position is recognized when the value of the actuation speed measured parameter reaches or drops below a given threshold. A temperature parameter characterizing the temperature of the actuator is evaluated before or during the calibration process. The calibration step is then only carried out if the value of the temperature parameter does not exceed an upper temperature limit. An actuator suitable for carrying out said method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator (303) that is configured and arranged to selectively control movement of a barrier (302), upon detecting (101) motion of an object, can automatically modify (102) near term automated movement options for that barrier. As but one example in this regard, this can comprise automatically temporarily modifying planned movement of the barrier as was instigated by reception of a remote control command from a wireless remote control transmitter. By one approach, this can further comprise taking such action as function of the relative distance of the object from a given location. This can provide the basis, for example, of automatically modifying near term automated movement options of the barrier when the object is relatively far from the given location and not modifying such options when the object is relatively close to the given location.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to the field of hand sanitation, and particularly to a systems that encourage or compel the use of a hand sanitizer in order to open or unlock a door, unlock an access panel or drawer, or use a shared electronic device.

Abstract: A device for opening and/or closing a pivoting body piece (14), especially a rear hatch, of a motor vehicle (10). The device has an electric motor drive (20) which drives a motor shaft which drives the pivotable body piece (14) via a gearing (22). In order to enable the device to have a clutch-free structure, the electric motor drive (20) is provided, in accordance with the invention, with an electronic isolation means (24) which can be activated depending on a signal from a sensor means (30) which recognizes manual actuation of the pivoting body piece (14).

Abstract: An opening/closing controlling apparatus of the present invention has an automatic opening/closing mechanism for automatically opening and closing an opening/closing object such as a door; a collision detecting sensor for detecting a collision of a vehicle; a time measuring device for measuring a time from a time when the collision detecting sensor detects a collision of the vehicle; and an opening/closing controller for prohibiting automatic opening/closing of the opening/closing object from the time of the collision of the vehicle and for permitting the automatic opening/closing by the automatic opening/closing mechanism after passage of a predetermined time since the collision. The present invention successfully achieves high reliability in the event of a vehicle accident.

Abstract: The opening of vehicle doors often leads to collisions with stationary obstacles that are not visible to the occupants or with moving obstacles that approach the vehicle without being noticed. Thus to avoid collisions when vehicle doors are opened, the aim of the invention is to take any modifications to the environmental situation of the vehicle as a result of a movement of the vehicle and the detected objects into consideration. This allows a collision of the vehicle doors with the objects to be reliably avoided. To achieve this, in a first step the probable trajectory of a vehicle is determined. In an additional step, the objects in the vicinity of the vehicle are detected and probable trajectories of said detected objects are determined. Respective probability ranges are then defined both for the vehicle and the pivoting zone of the vehicle doors and for the detected objects.

Abstract: This door consists of: an internal structure (16) in which at least two compartments are executed; a panel (18) mounted in each of the compartments, and holding means of each panel (18) in the corresponding compartment. These means permit the release of the panel when a predetermined load, in a given direction, is applied to this panel.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for high torque operation of a movable barrier utilizing a compact hub motor device, which may be directly coupled to a movable barrier without the use of additional gearing systems. The flat geometry provides high dynamic acceleration with short electrical and mechanical time constants, and its planetary gearing system implemented within the device allows for compact, more efficient access systems. Eliminating a gear system in accordance with the present invention lowers maintenance requirements, increases efficiency, and streamlines operation of movable barriers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a door (8) designed to be inserted between a cockpit and a cabin of an aircraft, the door comprising a cockpit side (8a) and a cabin side (8b). According to the invention, the door comprises at least one trapdoor (22) capable of closing off a passageway (20) passing through the door and secondly being opened towards the cabin side, the door also comprising a locking/unlocking mechanism (30) of the trapdoor arranged on the cockpit side and that can automatically unlock the trapdoor when the difference between a cockpit pressure and a cabin pressure corresponding to the air pressures applied on the cockpit side and the cabin side of the door respectively is greater than a predetermined value.

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

Abstract: The invention provides a vehicle door opening and closing system for making a notice before opening and closing a door by using a motor to enhance the safety. The inventive is a door opening and closing system mounted on a vehicle including a controller generating and sending a first instruction and a second instruction, a motor controlled by the controller so as to open or close the door and an announce mechanism controlled by the controller. The first instruction instructs the motor to drive after a predetermined wait time from the generation of the first instruction; and the second instruction instructs the announce mechanism to announce generation of the first instruction for a predetermined notice time before starting to drive the motor.

Abstract: A device is provided for opening and closing a basement door leaf. The device may include a motor and a piston for pushing the door leaf open and pulling the door leaf closed in response to activation by an input device. A sensor device is provided for detecting a person's foot on a stair leading to a basement. The sensor device may cause the opening of the basement door leaf.

Abstract: A bedroom window that detects predetermined levels of carbon monoxide and automatically open by itself to save the occupants lives without any external electrical supply, replaceable alkaline batteries or any human action; this lifesaver window is self-contained, pre-assembled, solar-powered, environmentally friendly and able to open the window sash by itself to allow the CO to escape, to reduce CO concentration, to let the outside clean air to enter the room, to sound it's alarm, and to trigger the Fire & Police Private Central Station Alarm; it can be installed as new or as a replacement window in homes, hotels, hospitals, dormers or wherever humans or animals live; can be manufactured in different sizes and styles to accommodate any architectural design and furthermore it installation requires the same skills & tools needed to install a regular window without the need of other trades.

Abstract: An entry control apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a pair of spaced barriers forming a pathway therebetween. The barriers are positioned adjacent a doorway to control ingress into and egress from a building or the like. An arm is pivotally mounted and extends across the pathway and permits free movement of people in one direction and selectively restricts movement in the other direction. A motion sensor is provided and a motion control system is associated with the sensor. The sensor and motion control system cooperate to selectively allow the arms to move to a normally open position for normal traffic in an approved direction. In the event a person approaches the apparatus, as if to exit, or move in the wrong direction through the pathway, the sensor detects the movement and effects operation of the motion control system that locks the arm against movement to prevent movement through the passageway.

Abstract: A decompression vent latching apparatus, includes a flap placed on a door opening to a first area from a second area, a housing fastened to the flap on the door, a plunger mounted within the housing, having rotational and lateral movement within the housing, a stop block connected to the plunger, a pair of tip blocks having movement restricted by the stop block connected to the plunger when contacting the stop block, the tip blocks being controlled to be a predetermined distance away from the stop block, and a locking unit connected to the pair of tip blocks providing a closed or open position.