Abstract:
A garage door operator which senses obstructions and takes corrective action before entrapment can occur. Yieldable gears are utilized as a failsafe mechanism such that when the applied torque exceeds certain limit, the gears disengage so that the garage door can be manually moved. The yieldable gears may also be disengaged by remote control or by hand. Solid state circuitry is provided to achieve soft starts and stops of the electric motor. Test circuitry is provided that tests the operational readiness of the electrical components by simulating an abnormal torque condition. During operation of the electric motor, the torque load is electronically calculated and if an abnormal torque load is encountered, the electric motor reverses direction.
Abstract:
A passenger van tailgate hinged for swinging movement about a horizontal axis at its upper edge is forced upward to open by a pair of spring devices under the control of a powered actuator operating through cables. The actuator is mounted on the tailgate and includes an electric motor drivingly connected by a worm shaft and worm gear and additional reduction gearing to a pulley on which the cables are wound. The cables are secured at one end to the vehicle structure, extend along side the respective spring devices, and are wound at their other end in the same direction on the pulley. The tailgate is opened by operating the actuator motor to unwind the cables and allow the spring devices to open the tailgate at a rate determined by the speed of the motor. The tailgate is closed by operating the actuator motor in reverse to rewind the cables and compress the spring devices. A clutch maintains a drive connection between the worm gear and pulley to effect normal tailgate operation and is adapted to slip to allow manually applied force on the tailgate to operate same when the motor is not operating. There is also provision for shutting the actuator motor off when the tailgate encounters an obstacle during closure.
Abstract:
The invention relates to an automatic remote controlled opening device which may be used to open and close doors, windows or similar closure systems. The opening device includes a receiver to detect control signals generated at a remote location from the device. The control signals are then utilized to effect selective operation of a mechanical system coupled with the closure system for opening and closing thereof. The mechanical system enables smooth and efficient automatic opening and closing, but does not inhibit manual operation of the door or the like. Control circuitry associated with the device enables various functions to be performed for selective operation of the device. The device may also be provided with a stored energy source of power such that it can be retrofit for use with an existing closure system. Auxiliary control of the device enables opening or closing in response to an emergency situation or other circumstances.
Abstract:
The invention relates to an automatic remote controlled opening device which may be used to open and close doors, windows or similar closure systems. The opening device includes a receiver to detect control signals generated at a remote location from the device. The control signals are then utilized to effect selective operation of a mechanical system coupled with the closure system for opening and closing thereof. The mechanical system enables smooth and efficient automatic opening and closing, but does not inhibit manual operation of the door or the like. Control circuitry associated with the device enables various functions to be performed for selective operation of the device. The device may also be provided with a stored energy source of power such that it can be retrofit for use with an existing closure system. Auxiliary control of the device enables opening or closing in response to an emergency situation or other circumstances.
Abstract:
A window operator has a prime mover for opening and closing of a window, with the prime mover being drivingly connected to a drive output member through an intermediate gear structure. A clutch device in the drive structure senses the torque applied to the drive output member in a window closing operation and a switch operable by the clutch is effective to deenergize the prime mover when the torque applied to the output member reaches a predetermined value. The switch can be adjustably located relative to the clutch whereby the predetermined value at which the motor will be deenergized may be varied in order to obtain a desired tension on a member connected to the closed sash of the window, such as a chain connected to the sash of a skylight window.
Abstract:
A manually assistable electric driving device for a lid of an automobile luggage compartment has a clutch mechanism disposed between an electric motor and an output member drivingly connected to the lid. The clutch mechanism is so constructed that, when the lid is being driven by the motor in either direction, the lid can be manually moved in the same direction and at a speed higher than the speed caused by the motor drive.
Abstract:
The invention comprises a gate or other load operator which provides non-linear torque/angular velocity characteristics over approximately a ninety degree gate travel range wherein the torque/velocity characteristic is reversed for opening and closing. The mechanism, a dual four-bar linkage with slotted pivots, provides high starting torque and lower running torque regardless of whether the gate or load is opening or closing. The mechanism is not constrained to be located on a particular side of the gate post.
Abstract:
A system and method for the automatic control of electrically operated gates is disclosed which includes a gate position transducer which provides an output signal in the form of pulses representing the incremental motion of the gate. The system also includes electronic circuitry responsive to the output signal of the position transducer for determining when the gate is either fully open or fully closed and also for determining when the gate motion is obstructed. The control system is fully automatic and does not require mechanical adjustments or the use of limit switches. Optional operating modes include an automatic close mode and the simultaneous operation of two gates.