Condition Responsive Control Patents (Class 49/31)
  • Patent number: 6206073
    Abstract: A safety system for reducing the risk of a suffocation accident occurring in a grain bin is disclosed. The disclosed safety apparatus includes an electrical switch in circuit with the motor of an auger mounted in the grain bin for discharging grain therefrom. The switch has a first state wherein the switch prevents operation of the motor and a second state wherein the switch permits operation of the motor. The disclosed apparatus also includes a cover mounted adjacent the access opening for movement between a first position wherein the cover precludes human entry through the access opening and a second position wherein the cover is displaced from the first position. The switch and the cover are positioned to place the switch in the second state when the cover is in the first position and to place the switch in the first state when the cover is displaced from the first position. The apparatus is further provided with a latch for securing the cover in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: John Jacob Lay
  • Patent number: 6178699
    Abstract: An open/close control system for a vehicle slide door includes in one embodiment, a drive source, e.g., a motor, a slide door opening/closing mechanism, a clutch for transmitting a drive force of the drive source to the opening/closing mechanism interruptively, movement signal generator for generating a signal dependent on the moving direction of the slide door, and slide door controller for controlling the drive force to be transmitted to the opening/closing mechanism by controlling the drive source and the clutch. The slide door controller stops the operation of the drive source and thereby stops the slide door, declutches the clutch to allow the slide door to be movable, detects a movement of the slide door caused by its weight by use of an output signal of the movement signal generator, and determines an inclination of the vehicle on the basis of the detection result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Ohi Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Kawanobe, Ryoji Shimura
  • Patent number: 6114820
    Abstract: A power window apparatus is provided for detecting pinching in accordance with the opened/closed position of the window and a state of rotation of a motor, the apparatus having a position sensor which detects a safety-control suspension region of the window and which is an accurate sensor. A spiral guide groove is formed in the inner surface of a housing opposite to a rotational plate which is rotated by an output shaft of a motor which opens/closes a window. A follower which is guided by the spiral guide groove is able to move along a straight guide groove provided for the rotational plate in the radial direction. Terminals in the form of conductive films are provided for a printed circuit board accommodated in the housing. When the rotational plate has been rotated, the follower is guided by the spiral guide groove so as to be moved in the straight guide groove. Thus, a slide member provided for the follower is brought into contact with the terminals so that the terminals are conducted with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masanori Nishigaya
  • Patent number: 6049287
    Abstract: A door has a first outer face having an opening therein and a second outer face spaced a predetermined distance apart from the first outer face. A hold open device is located substantially between the first and second outer faces. The hold open device holds the door in an open position. A smoke detector is also located substantially between the first and second outer faces adjacent to the opening. The smoke detector is electrically coupled to the magnetic hold open so that upon detection of smoke, the smoke detector causes the hold open to release the door from an open position to a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Leon Yulkowski
  • Patent number: 6047885
    Abstract: A materials handling apparatus including a closure door which can be selectively operated to open or close the access opening in the apparatus. The door is operated by means of an air cylinder under the control of an air valve and an electronic control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory S. Fisher
  • Patent number: 6044588
    Abstract: A window pane is slidably driven in two guides by an electric motor. A piezoelectric vibrator vibrates the window pane to facilitate sliding movement of the window pane relative to the guides and a delay relay enables the vibrator to start operation before the motor is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Volkswagen Ag
    Inventor: Bernd Rech
  • Patent number: 6038815
    Abstract: A gate movement drive comprises a motor movement unit (11) with linear-movement actuator and a sensing device (14) for detection of an angle which is a function of the gate position. The linear movement actuator (11) has its ends pivoted to respective supports (24,32) designed for fastening of the actuator between a fixed part and a wing of a gate which is pivoted to a rotation axis (23). The sensing device (14) is connected between the actuator and one of the supports (24,32) for detection of the angle of rotation between the actuator and the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: FAAC S.p.A.
    Inventor: Michelangelo Manini
  • Patent number: 6037727
    Abstract: A vehicular slide door open-close control apparatus for opening a slide door installed at a side of vehicle body by means of the drive source such as a motor and the like. The purpose of the apparatus is to reduce a burden applied to the slide door moving from its full-open position along its close direction, downsize, lighten and lower the cost. Also, reducing an operational force when the door is manually closed. The control apparatus has a drive source 54 such as motor and the like, a slide door 3 open-close-moved by a slide door open-close mechanism, a clutch means 56 transmitting intermittently a drive force of the drive source 54 to the slide door open-close mechanism, a slope judgement means 76 detecting a vehicle posture and a slide door control means 7 controlling the drive source and clutch means in order to adjust a drive force to be transferred to the slide door open-close mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: OHI Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Kawanobe, Ryoji Shimura
  • Patent number: 6036595
    Abstract: A detector in a space to be sensed and controlled gives an electrical signal upon fumes in the space reaching a predetermined level. An electrical circuit is thereby energized to operate a fan to exhaust the space. Inlet and outlet openings in the structure enclosing the space are biased closed but open in response to air pressure on operation of the fan. Also the main door is opened by mechanism actuated by the signal. When the main door is open, the circuitry for opening the main door is open, and there is no actuating the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: John Vole
  • Patent number: 6023224
    Abstract: An entry control and security system in the form of a pre-assembled door and door frame unit having an electric light, a motion detector, a radiant energy receiver and an electromechanically actuated latch all disposed on and built into the door frame. The invention provides an economically manufactured and easily installed unit which allows persons to unlatch a door by remote control in order to gain access to a building, as well as providing illumination in the vicinity of the doorway during periods of darkness. A radiant energy receiver, such as a radio frequency receiver, is disposed on the door frame and is electrically coupled with at least one electromechanical door latch also disposed on the frame. A keychain-sized remote control transmitter unit is carried by a person desiring access to the building. When a button on the remote control unit is pressed, the remote control unit transmits a coded signal which is received by the radiant energy receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: The Stanley Works
    Inventor: Daniel Vincent Meyvis
  • Patent number: 6014839
    Abstract: An adjustable shutter assembly having an automated adjustment system including an electronic actuating device, such as an electric actuating motor. The shutter assembly has at least one and typically a plurality of parallel slats rotatably attached at both ends to a frame. The actuating motor is embedded within a self-contained module that can strengthen the shutter frame and be hidden from view. The actuating motor has a spindle that is coaxially connected to one end of an actuator slat selected from among the plurality of parallel slats. The spindle typically includes a tongue that engages a receiving pocket of the actuator slat without additional fastening mechanisms. One or more of the other slats are interconnected with the actuator slat such that rotation of the actuator slat is accompanied by substantially synchronous rotation of the other slats interconnected thereto. Selecting the actuator slat from among the more centrally located slats provides for more reliable and secure closure of all slats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Bryan Ruggles
    Inventor: Bryan K. Ruggles
  • Patent number: 6011468
    Abstract: The invention provides a garage door opener alarm for a vehicle that is only triggered when the garage door is open and the vehicle is closer to the garage than a first distance, but further from the garage than a second distance. The invention uses a transmitter system connected to a sensor, where the transmitter system works in conjunction with a first receiver with a first effective range and a second receiver with a second effective range, which senses whether or not the garage door is open. The first receiver and second receiver are mounted in the vehicle. An alarm is sounded only if one receiver receives a signal while the other receiver does not receive a signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Michael Bing Kong Lee
    Inventor: Michael Bing Kong Lee
  • Patent number: 5992094
    Abstract: An access control chamber security system with a security chamber having an aluminum frame and an entrance door and an exit door, a metal detector located within the access control chamber to detect a weapon being carried within the chamber, locks on the doors and a control device to prevent the doors from being opened at the same time or prevent the exit door from opening when a weapon is detected, and further including a side frame member with a cutout section having an insulated member placed therein to provide an open electrical loop in the side frame member, the metal detector having a plurality of coils located in a plurality of zones, a three second time delay from when the manually operated exit door is opened to when the lock on the exit door is re-activated, ballistic fiberglass disposed within a hollow section of the aluminum frame members, floor contact pads with nitrogen disposed within the pads surrounding the metal plates formed therein, a floor contact pad having a plurality of induction coils
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: William Diaz
  • Patent number: 5956903
    Abstract: In many storms, high-wind velocity can cause severe damage to building structures by virtue of differential pressures caused by high-wind velocity winds traversing the structure, creating differential inside-outside pressures. Extremely low pressure on the downwind side of the structure causing higher internal pressures inside the structure to lift the roof or burst out windows and the like on the downwind side of the structure. The destructive effects of high-velocity winds on building structures are avoided by providing the building with controlled openings on the various surfaces of the building. Air pressure sensing devices sense pressure differentials caused by high-velocity winds on the upwind and downwind sides of the building and controlling the pressure control opening such that the high-pressure surface opening is closed and the low-pressure surface control opening is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Fred Parker
  • Patent number: 5959193
    Abstract: An explosion protection apparatus for installation in potentially explosive industrial installations for the purpose of automatically preventing a pressure wave and/or flame breaking through from a potentially explosive installation part to adjacent installation parts, has a sensor for explosion identification, which can be arranged in the potentially explosive installation part or can be connected to it. The sensor is electrically connected to an initiation device (1) which, in its basic state, holds a closing device (3) in its open position via an interlocking device (2) and with the aid of an active magnetic field of an electromagnet (5), and can be operated by sensor signals. The closing device (3) is prestressed such that, after operation of the initiation device (1), it is moved to its closed position. It can be arranged between the installation parts to be protected and the potentially explosive installation part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Rubitec AG
    Inventors: Christoph Rubitschung, Denis Bubendorf
  • Patent number: 5955031
    Abstract: A carbon monoxide sensing system is provided including a garage having an automatic door adapted to open only upon the receipt of an activation signal. Further provided is a carbon monoxide sensor positioned within the garage and connected to the automatic door for transmitting the activation signal upon the detection of an amount of carbon monoxide which exceeds a predetermined amount. A light beam detector is adapted to generate the activation signal only upon the detection of vehicle within the garage. Also included is a control mechanism connected between the carbon monoxide sensor, light detection and the door opener for allowing the transmission of the activation signal to the door opener only upon the receipt of the activation signal from the light beam detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventor: Joe C. King, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5932982
    Abstract: A trash enclosure includes a bay with a moveable lid and a sensor attached to the inner periphery of the bay. The moveable lid attaches to the enclosure and moves between an open position and a closed position to cover the bay. Upon detection of an object within the bay, the sensor causes the lid to open. Accordingly, the inner periphery shields the sensor to inhibit detection of objects beyond the inner periphery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: Edward Pezzelli, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5913763
    Abstract: A method for selective alteration and control of door movement modes utilizing an apparatus that is primarily non-hydraulic and incorporated with a known mechanism which is functional independently from the apparatus in one mode of operation and which includes a piston for controlling door closing characteristics by selected fluid flow within the mechanism. The apparatus includes a motor driven lead screw having a linearly movable shuttle unit mounted thereon, the shuttle unit being positioned relative to the piston of the mechanism to accommodate nonattached contact with the piston to urge the piston, when the shuttle unit is moved, in a direction that will at least provide selective assistance with door opening in another mode of operation. Operation of the apparatus is controlled by programming of a related controller including non-volatile memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Dorma Door Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Beran, Davide Andrea
  • Patent number: 5899021
    Abstract: An AWNING WINDOW is provided including a window sill and a window having a sash. Also provided is a window control assembly including a dowel situated within a recess formed in the window sill. The dowel has at least one generally L-shaped arm having a first portion coupled to the dowel. A large gear is concentrically coupled at a central extent of the dowel. A motor is coupled to the top face of the window sill with a small gear coupled to a rotor thereof for engaging the large gear thereby rotating the dowel upon the receipt of power. At least one sleeve is coupled along the one of the side borders of the sash of the window. At least one slider slidably is situated within the sleeve and pivotally coupled with an end of a second portion of the at least one L-shaped arm. By this structure, the window is raised upon the receipt of voltage of a first polarity and lowered upon the receipt of voltage of a second polarity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Inventor: Hubert J. Bastarache
  • Patent number: 5892340
    Abstract: A vehicle sliding door opening/closing control device comprises a control unit for outputting a standby signal and shifting into a standby mode when for a predetermined time there has been no user-operation input for causing a vehicle sliding door driven by a motor to be open/close-driven and shifting into an operating mode and performing control of the motor when there has been a user-operation input and a switch unit for shorting power input terminals of the motor on the basis of the standby signal. When there has been no user-operation input for causing the sliding door to be open/close-driven for a predetermined time, by shifting into a standby mode the power consumption of the control unit can be kept small and as a result it is possible to suppress the battery power consumption of the control unit. Also, in the standby mode, by shorting the power input terminals of the motor it is possible to keep the motor in a locked state and thereby apply braking to the sliding door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kouji Sasajima, Kiyohide Nagase
  • Patent number: 5878529
    Abstract: An entrance device for placement in a facade of a building includes at least two revolving doors. Each of the revolving doors has an input section and an output section. A sliding door provides closure of the input and output sections of the two revolving doors. The sliding door is disposed between the two revolving doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Boon Edam B.V.
    Inventor: Jacob Robert Alfred Huber
  • Patent number: 5864989
    Abstract: A ventilating window for ventilating the interior of a building or a structure such as a vehicle in a natural and gentle manner. A ventilating window for the exhaust of air is provided with a mechanism for automatically opening a window casement when the atmospheric pressure inside the window is higher than the outside atmospheric pressure, thereby dispensing with forced exhaust using a fan or the like. A ventilating window for the supply of air is provided with a mechanism for automatically closing a window casement when the atmospheric pressure outside the window is higher than the inside atmospheric pressure, thereby preventing a strong wind from blowing into the interior. A ventilating window for both exhaust and supply of air is provided with both such opening mechanism and closing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Nihon Sekkei, Kabushiki Kaisha Azusa Sekkei, Tateyama Aruminiumu Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masayoshi Funatsu, Murao Iwatsuki, Atsushi Suzuki, Tatsuo Shiobara, Hideo Hochi, Kazuo Iwaki, Osamu Arayama, Masanori Hirata, Yoshikazu Nomura, Kunihiko Ebitani, Atsushi Nakamura, Hisanaga Furushima
  • Patent number: 5864134
    Abstract: A garage door opener is retrofitted with a device that causes a garage door to close after it has been open for a predetermined amount of time. In a garage door of the type having a light that is activated when the door is opened or closed, a photocell is mounted in close proximity to the light to detect the presence or absence of light. When light is detected, the photocell conducts and prevents a first automatic switch, such as a silicon-controlled rectifier, from conducting. When absence of light is detected, the first automatic switch closes and a capacitor discharges through the first automatic switch and throws a second automatic switch, such as a transistor, that is electrically connected in parallel to a manually-operated switch for opening and closing the garage door. When the second automatic switch conducts, it mimics closing of the manually-operated switch and thus effects closing of the garage door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: Donald A. Burgess
  • Patent number: 5855027
    Abstract: A new automatic bathroom door and toilet flushing system for automatically raising the door and flushing the toilet when a user is finished. The system includes a housing secured to a ceiling between a pair of walls. The housing has an opening in a lower end thereof. A door is rotatably disposed within the housing. The door is disposed on a central shaft. The central shaft is coupled with an electric motor. The electric motor selectively raises and lowers the door with respect to an opening between the pair of walls. An electric sensor is in communication with the electric motor and an electrical system of an existing toilet. The electric sensor is disposed within one of the pair of walls adjacent to the handle of the manual pulley system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Inventor: Joseph A. Macedo
  • Patent number: 5828302
    Abstract: A door panel is actuated when an actuator sensor disposed near the door panel senses an object approaching the door panel. When a safety sensor mounted on the door panel senses an object while the door panel is opening, the door panel is stopped. When a safety sensor mounted on the door panel senses an object while the door panel is closing, the door panel is opened. Each of the sensors includes a light-emitting unit, a light-receiving unit and a control unit, and the sensor can detect for itself failure in any of the light-emitting unit, the light-receiving unit and the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventors: Koji Tsutsumi, Ye Zengguang, Shigeaki Sasaki
  • Patent number: 5798681
    Abstract: The garage door position indicator contains a radio frequency (RF) transmitter with an electronic angle sensor attached onto a garage door, and a RF receiver with a visual/audio indicator. The electronic angle sensor supplies signals to the RF transmitter during the changes in orientation of a garage door from vertical to horizontal and from horizontal to vertical. The RF receiver is responsive to the RF signals from the RF transmitter and controls a visual/audio indicator to indicate the position of a garage door accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Inventor: Nai-Wen Chang
  • Patent number: 5770935
    Abstract: A receptacle comprising a body including an opening having a door hingedly mounted therein for movement between a normal and substantially vertical orientation and a substantially horizontal orientation, a drive assembly having a hub for taking up and letting out the cord for moving the door between the substantially vertical orientation and the substantially horizontal orientation, and an actuator device for actuating the drive assembly, the hub being spaced apart from said hinge proximate an optimum position for minimizing the amount of force necessary for the drive assembly to move the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Product Innovations & Sales Co, LC
    Inventors: Fred P. Smith, Robert T. Wells, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5768826
    Abstract: A new Air Window Apparatus for providing an intrusion-proof vehicle ventilation system. The inventive device includes an essentially rigid member having a plurality of ventilation holes extending therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventors: Lisa Wilcher, Wayne Wilcher
  • Patent number: 5752343
    Abstract: An add-on control device is shown that is used in conjunction with existing garage door opener systems. The device includes an electronic control device that will automatically close the door if left open, or can be programmed to stay open, and will automatically close an open door when it gets dark. The device includes a control circuit, connected in parallel with the push button control of the garage door opener, actuated when the garage door is opened. A timing circuit having at least two selectable timing cycles is actuated when the garage door is opened and closes the garage door after a selected timing cycle. A cancel circuit cancels the selected timing cycle when the garage door is to remain open. A reset circuit, called the cancel switch is used for re-initiating the selected timing cycle to close the garage door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Inventor: James B. Quintus
  • Patent number: 5742964
    Abstract: A novel apparatus and method for a washing machine wherein which the door may be automatically opened and closed. The door opening/closing apparatus comprises: a sensor for determining an opened state of the door; a sensor for determining a closed state of the door; a motor for supplying a dynamic force to open and close the door; an external input mechanism for entering a door opening/closing command; and a controller for determining the state of the door based on information supplied from each of the sensors when a door opening/closing command is present, and controlling the activation of the motor, accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ssi Chol Choi
  • Patent number: 5722108
    Abstract: For a vertical slide type front window of an operator's cab of construction machines, a windshield wiper assembly is mounted on a panel alongside the front window. Mounted on the part of the front window is a pin-latch unit for fixing the front window in a fully closed position. When a slide pin of the pin-latch unit is applied to lock the front window, this is detected by a detection means of a windshield control to render the wiper operative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Sakyo, Yoshimi Iwase
  • Patent number: 5702533
    Abstract: A pinch seal in which particle generation by frictional contact is prevented so that the pinch seal can be used in a semiconductor processing apparatus where elimination of particulate contamination is desirable. The pinch seal is particularly adapted for use in connection with a semiconductor wafer transport device, such as a linear transport device. The pinch seal is formed in a barrier provided between a transport device and a semiconductor processing work environment. One or more support members for transporting a wafer extend through the pinch seal. In one embodiment, the pinch seal includes a flexible sealing member with a magnetic strip extending along the length of the flexible sealing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Randall S. Mundt, Kenneth R. Krieg
  • Patent number: 5703452
    Abstract: A movable section of a machine is enclosed by a fence and a door. A locking device provided on the door is controlled by a movable section control circuit. In the movable section control circuit, an operating switch outputs either a movable section ON signal or a movable section OFF signal. A door switch outputs an ON signal representing that the door is open. A switch means constitutes a self-holding circuit which uses an AND signal constituted of the movable section OFF signal from the operating switch and a rotation stop signal as a reset input signal and an OR signal constituted of an ON signal from the door switch and a rotation-presence signal as trigger signal to provide the locking device with a control signal. When a sensor fails, the locking devive is not unlocked even if the operating switch for driving the movable section is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: The Nippon Signal Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koichi Futsuhara
  • Patent number: 5652563
    Abstract: A safety system for a stable comprises "smart detectors" installed in the stable for detecting at least one abnormal condition in the stable, a siren and/or flashing strobe installed in each stall for spooking horses out of their stalls, an electro-magnetic lock provided on each said door, a power source supplying power to each said electro-magnetic lock keeping each door closed in the absence of the abnormal condition, and a controlling means continually monitoring said "smart detectors". Once the abnormal condition has been detected, the controlling unit immediately turns down the power supplied to each electro-magnetic lock and, with a certain delay, actuates the siren and/or flashing strobe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Inventor: Andrew B. Maus
  • Patent number: 5625266
    Abstract: An electromechanically operated door having a control and regulation system for the door, the door for being driven by an electric motor, the movement of the door being controlled by sensors. The control and regulation system is equipped with a microprocessor control. In addition to the normal path of data to the microprocessor control, a dual redundancy is achieved, in that there is a safety monitoring system which receives the same safety-related information as the microprocessor control. This safety monitoring system, for its part, is capable of detecting a fault, i.e. if the microprocessor control system has not shut off the door, the door is shut off by the safety monitoring system, which for its part reports any faults which occur in the system to a fault detection unit, and here again, by means of a redundant shutdown unit, brings the connected motor and thus the door to an immediate stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: DORMA GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jurgen Stark
  • Patent number: 5605013
    Abstract: A programmable automatic window including a hollow frame with an aperture disposed therethrough; a window slidably secured within the aperture of the frame; a ball screw mechanism disposed within the frame and coupled to the window; a motor coupled to the ball screw mechanism and energizable with a positive polarity to cause rotation of the ball screw mechanism for allowing the window to be raised and energizable with a negative polarity to cause opposite rotation of the ball screw mechanism for allowing the window to be lowered; and motor logic switch circuitry for controlling the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Inventor: Timothy W. Hogston
  • Patent number: 5574437
    Abstract: This invention describes a monitoring device which monitors the safety of a printing machine. The printing machine has a drive, a control unit arranged upstream of the drive, command buttons which are connected to the control unit and via which the start-up of the printing machine can be initiated, as well as sound generators, connected to the control unit, for the emission of an acoustic alarm signal after the actuation of one of the command buttons initiating the start-up. The monitoring device ensures that a start-up of the printing machine is only carried out if an acoustic alarm signal has previously been properly emitted. This is achieved, according to the invention, by the monitoring device registering the emission of the acoustic alarm signal and, in the event of the alarm signal not being emitted, inhibits the drive of the printing machine from starting up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Klaus Schwinn, Bernd Lindner, Reinhold Bischof, Heinz Gotz, Joachim Deschamps
  • Patent number: 5565843
    Abstract: A visual display panel is mounted on the exterior surface of a power-operated garage door to display messages for viewing by occupants of a departing automobile after the garage door has closed. The display panel may be part of an integrated home automation system (IHAS) so that, in addition to pre-programmed messages, the operational status of household devices included in the IHAS are presented on the display panel. Actuation of the garage door operator to open the garage door can also cause the IHAS to direct changes in the operation of one or more of the included devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Stanley Home Automation
    Inventor: Daniel V. Meyvis
  • Patent number: 5554433
    Abstract: Horizontally hinged covers for use in ceiling/floors are provided which are highly fire resistant and which in the event of fire automatically close. The door preferably utilizes a multi-layer construction comprising an intumescent lower (inner) layer, an intermediate structural layer and a top (outer) layer of a cementitious material. The horizontally hinged door utilizes an automatic closing system in the event of fire comprising a fusible link which activates a pressurized gas source to close the door and which pressurized gas source is automatically purged when the door is closed to prevent explosion of the pressurized gas source. The fusible link also actuates (opens) a hydraulic valve to allow the flow of hydraulic fluid from a pneumatic/hydraulic housing which is used with a movable rod to open and close the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: The Bilco Company
    Inventors: Jerome F. Perrone, Jr., Duane W. Hipp
  • Patent number: 5541585
    Abstract: The present invention provides a security system for controlling access of persons through a controlled portal. The portal, such as a door, has a lock mechanism for securing the door. A presence detector senses the presence of an object within an approach zone located substantially adjacent the portal. When an object is detected, a fixed transceiver automatically transmits an interrogation signal into the approach zone. A portable transceiver is carried by the person seeking access to the portal. The portable transceiver responds to the interrogation signal by transmitting a response signal. Each portable transceiver or group of transceivers has a unique identification code which is included in the response signal. The fixed transceiver receives the response signal and determines whether the response signal contains a valid access code. If a valid access code is received, the portal is unlocked and other devices may be activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Stanley Home Automation
    Inventors: Dean C. Duhame, Daniel V. Meyvis
  • Patent number: 5525963
    Abstract: Apparatus for actuating a safety device comprises an acoustic sensor and apparatus coupled to the sensor for actuating the safety device in response to sound of a predetermined character. Apparatus for releasing or closing a closure is also disclosed. Three embodiments of the apparatus are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventor: Neil K. W. Purssey
  • Patent number: 5521585
    Abstract: A life saving system that allows escape from secured premises is provided. The system includes door/window locks that are normally held in the locked position by the presence of an electrical current through solenoids contained in the locks. When an accessory fire/smoke alarm is activated, current through the solenoids is interrupted, thereby automatically unlocking the doors or windows. Uninterruptable power supplies are provided that can operate from alternating current or direct current sources. Additional security is provided by an optional key lock shunt box that prevents tampering by unauthorized users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Inventor: Albert L. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 5517006
    Abstract: A microwave oven having a cavity and a door for closing off the cavity. The oven is fitted with a pressure actuated safety catch device which prevents opening of the door as a consequence of a sudden pressure increase in the cavity. The sudden pressure increase in the cavity is used to activate the safety catch device which catches the locking device of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Whirlpool Europe B.V.
    Inventors: Ove Fredriksson, Mats Ringborg
  • Patent number: 5480109
    Abstract: A system for preventing the automatic or inadvertent opening of an aircraft door or access hatch that has not been closed and locked properly provides an increase in the overall flight safety of aircraft. The system includes a door monitoring system (1), which is connected to at least one of a cabin pressure control arrangement (4), a cabin temperature control arrangement (5), and an air tap system control arrangement (36). The door monitoring system (1) provides a signal indicating if at least one door or access hatch is not properly closed and locked. The controllers (4, 5, 36) receive the door monitor signal at respective inputs and also receive information necessary for determining the current flight configuration of the aircraft from various other aircraft systems, such as a landing gear control arrangement or an engine monitor arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Deutsche Aerospace Airbus GbmH
    Inventors: Bernd Klein, Wolfgang Mueller
  • Patent number: 5453736
    Abstract: A microprocessor-based door control unit includes a programmable, non-volatile-memory for storing door operating parameter values. A separate programming unit, arranged for connection to the door control unit, includes a second microprocessor, a keyboard and a display. The parameter values stored in the non-volatile memory can be read by the programming unit, and new values can be stored in the non-volatile memory using the programming unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Besam AB
    Inventor: Peter Noren
  • Patent number: 5422552
    Abstract: An automated actuator is fabricated in kit form and adapted to be assembled and disassembled for use with sliding doors, windows or other similar panels. The actuator includes a support column which is adjustable to be braced at the existing door jamb at either side of the door frame to move the panel. Mounting of the actuator does not require the surrounding frame or wall structure to be structurally altered. Circuitry for the actuator ceases the sliding movement of the door when the door meets resistance, such as by a child or animal in the path of the door, and re-tests for the resistance to determine whether the door should continue along the intended path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Gary Parisi
  • Patent number: 5417014
    Abstract: A pressure relief panel assembly for protecting a building against over-pressure caused by explosion. The assembly has a panel pivotally connected to a frame and held by a calibrated magnet and striker set which releases when a predetermined over-pressure occurs. A cable restraint attached to a shock absorber, or a linkage of two arms attached to a shock absorber, limits the extent to which the panel can blow open. A spring mounted on one of the arms catches the other arm when the panel has blown open, preventing the panels from reclosing and thereby preventing implosion damage to the building. Alternatively, or additionally, the panel, after opening, may be held partly open by a stop bar which pivots to prevent the panel from fully closing, to prevent implosion damage to the building after the explosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: C/S Construction Specialties Limited
    Inventors: William Vincent, Robert W. Olsen
  • Patent number: 5404969
    Abstract: Fire door for an elevator, especially for use in the landing doorways of an elevator shaft. The fire door is mounted abreast of an elevator landing door. The fire protection characteristics of the fire door are so chosen that the elevator door and the fire door together fulfil the requirements imposed on a fire door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Kone Elevator GmbH
    Inventor: Leon Hoefsloot
  • Patent number: 5402105
    Abstract: A garage door position indicating system includes a tilt switch attached to a garage door, an RF transmitter coupled to the tilt switch, an RF receiver, and an indicator controlled by the RF receiver. The tilt switch supplies an enable signal to the RF transmitter at selected first tilt positions and blocks the enable signal at selected second tilt positions. The RF transmitter generates an RF signal in response to the enable signal. The RF receiver is responsive to the RF signal and controls an indicator to indicate the position of the garage door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: MAPA Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew P. Doyle, Patrick J. Bukiri
  • Patent number: 5369394
    Abstract: A security system operates in response to an attempted egress through a door by a preselected person. The magnetic field of a permanent magnet is passed in a preselected spatial relation which respected a current generating device to generate a current upon the attempted egress through the door by the preselected person carrying the permanent magnet, and a security device is energized to lock the door upon the establishment of the generated current. A method of operating a security system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Wanderer Saf-T-Lok
    Inventors: Brian J. Quirk, Robert R. Bennett