Abstract:
A sliding door mechanism controls a door 10 in the form of a series of horizontal slats articulated to the slats above and below to move from a closed position in a vertical plane, along between tracks 14, until open. The door is moved by cables winding on or off a cable drum 12 driven through a drive belt 16 by an electric motor 18. The motor is on a carriage mounted at 30 to allow the drive belt to be slackened to remove drive from the drum 12. Control circuits 20 for the apparatus are described.
Abstract:
An automatic gate operator includes an electric drive motor coupled by a drive train to a movable gate, and includes provision for measuring the coasting distance which the gate moves after shut off of the drive motor. This coasting distance varies both with the weight and momentum of the gate in comparison to frictional drag of the gate hardware, and the drag provided by the gate operator with the drive motor shut off, and also varies in response to a great number of other variables many of which are unpredictable. These other variables include such factors as wind, weather, temperature, wear, adequacy of lubrication, time interval since last operation of the gate operator, and off-level installation of the gate, for example. However, the coasting distance is measured and recorded, and is subsequently used as a predictor of gate coast on subsequent operation of the gate operator in order to coast the gate to a stop precisely at a selected limit position. The prediction improves with experience, and compensates over time for progressive changes in the operating circumstances and conditions of the gate.
Abstract:
An apparatus and a method for moving an elevator door utilizes computed travel curves to control a door drive. The actual speed and position of the door are inputs to a travel curve computer in which travel curve algorithms are stored. Constants used in the algorithms are freely selectable and are communicated to the computer through a terminal connected to the computer. The computer generates target values a regulator which controls a power unit connected to the door drive motor for the opening, closing and reversing operations of the door.
Abstract:
A power window assembly in a vehicle includes a slidable window pane mounted to the vehicle for movement in a first lateral direction to an open position and in a second lateral direction to a closed position. The power window assembly further includes first and second mounting brackets securely attached to the window pane and each having a pocket therein. The power window assembly also includes a power drive mechanism for selectively moving the window pane between the closed position and the open position. The power drive mechanism includes first and second connector arms each laterally coupled to the first and second mounting brackets, respectively. The connector arms each have an upper portion seated in the pockets of the respective mounting brackets by slip-fitted insertion therein and are vertically slidable relative the pockets to adjustably connect the window pane to the power drive mechanism. Thus, the connector arms of the power drive mechanism vertically float relative the window pane during movement of the window pane between the open position and the closed position.
Abstract:
An improved electrically operated gate having a rectangular frame with a top horizontal rail, a bottom horizontal rail and vertical ends, a roller adjacent each end extending below the bottom rail by which the gate rolls from open to closed positions, the gate moving in a longitudinal vertical plane, a roller engaging the top rail to maintain the frame in a vertical plane, an inverted horizontal rack affixed to the frame on one side thereof adjacent the frame bottom, the rack having a series of equally spaced teeth, an electric motor drive means affixed at a stationary position adjacent the gate frame and having a pinion drive gear rotatably extending therefrom below the rack and in engagement with the rack teeth, and springs to resiliently urge the pinion gear upwardly into engagement with the rack teeth so that when the electric motor is energized the frame is longitudinally moved to open or close the gate.
Abstract:
A patio door operating unit comprises a housing which mounts on the floor beside the location that the door occupies when the sliding door is in its open position. Within the housing in an endless belt which engages the door adjacent its bottom and is trained for movement along a path at the bottom of the door. This belt is driven by an electric motor. There are limit switches to stop the electric motor at the open and closed positions of the door. The belt is tightened by a solenoid connected to the motor circuit so that when the electric power fails the belt is loose and the door can be moved by hand.
Abstract:
Mechanism for unfolding series-connected, accordionlike folded structural elements, particularly for use in supporting large surface solar cells. The several sections to be folded and unfolded are connected by hinge structure including a torsion-bar tensioned when said parts are in a selected on of folded or unfolded conditions. In addition, force transmission means are arranged between panels which rotate in the same direction during movement in response to the urging of said tensioned torsion bars. These force transmission devices ensure that said arm sections will unfold (or fold) at predetermined ratios with respect to each other, regardless of the effectiveness of successive individual torsion bars and will further ensure predeterminable response by said arm sections, even if certain of said torsion bars are out of action. If desired, a power means can be applied to operate through said force transmission means for restoring the arm sections against the force of said torsion bars to said selected condition.
Abstract:
An electric strand gate has at least one electric strand thereacross. The gate comprises an actuator which moves the electric strand up along a hoisting rail from a closed position to an open position, thereby providing clearance thereunderneath for passage of livestock, vehicles and or the like through the gate. The gate may have shuttles travelling along the hoisting rail, each of which is connected to a respective electric strand. The rail and shuttles may be configured so that electric strands are closer together when in the open position, thereby maximising clearance thereunderneath whilst moving apart in the closed position, so as to maintain the full height of the electric fence. The shuttles and the rail may be further configured so that the electric strands are electrically disconnected in the open position.
Abstract:
A refrigerator, comprising an automatic door-opening/closing apparatus mounted on a refrigerator body for driving the opening and closing of a door. When opening the door, if a first obstacle detecting apparatus detects the presence of an obstacle in front of the door, then the automatic door opening/closing apparatus stops the opening of the door; when closing the door, if a second obstacle detection apparatus detects the presence of an obstacle behind the door, then the automatic door-opening/closing apparatus stops the closing of the door. This stops the movement of the door upon the discovery of an obstacle while opening or closing the door, thus preventing the door from being damaged by collision, and when the obstacle is a person, preventing physical injuries from being caused.
Abstract:
An autonomous vehicle assembly comprises a chassis assembly and a storage assembly. The chassis assembly includes a front chassis module and a rear chassis module that are selectively connectable to one another. The front chassis module includes a front wheel and an EBS assembly for steering the front wheel and the rear chassis module includes a rear wheel and a propulsion assembly for driving the rear wheel. An autonomous driving module is selectively connected to the chassis assembly and independently in communication with the EBS assembly and the propulsion assembly.