Movable or removable closures – Processes
Reexamination Certificate
2002-02-12
2004-05-11
Strimbu, Gregory J. (Department: 3634)
Movable or removable closures
Processes
C049S026000, C049S027000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06732476
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates generally to movable barrier operators and more particularly to obstacle detection.
BACKGROUND
Various kinds of movable barriers are known, including gates, doors, shutters and the like that move or pivot in horizontal or vertical directions to move between open and closed positions. Movable barrier operators of various kinds that effect motorized and controlled movement of such movable barriers are also known. Safety concerns exist with movable barrier operators. In particular, at least in some settings, care should be taken to ensure that a barrier that is moving to a closed position does not impact an obstacle and cause damage to either the obstacle or the barrier. The prior art proposes various solutions to address this issue.
Pursuant to one approach, an obstacle sensor attached to a leading edge of the movable barrier can detect an obstacle and provide a signal to the movable barrier operator to cause the operator to reverse movement of the barrier. Such sensors include switch style compressible strips having electrical conductors disposed therein that complete a circuit when the conductors are urged towards one another as the leading edge makes initial contact with an obstacle. Other sensors include pneumatic style sensors and light beam style sensors. Unfortunately, such sensors can themselves be damaged. When damaged, the sensor may no longer reliably detect an obstacle and thereby give rise to concerns regarding safe operation of the movable barrier.
The prior art suggests that an obstacle sensor can be tested from time to time to determine viability of the sensor. Towards this end, for example, a resistance can be added to a switch style compressible strip to facilitate detection of an open circuit that would indicate damage to the sensor. Unfortunately, such testing ability must ordinarily reside in proximity to the sensor itself and hence on the movable barrier itself. Wireless sensor interfaces are desired (to minimize the use of electrical supply and signaling cable on the door) but this typically requires the use of portable power supplies, such as batteries. To meet the limitations associated with such circumstances, prior art sensor interfaces only test sensor viability, if at all, infrequently (for example, once every ten minutes) or on an event-driven basis (for example, immediately following each closing of the door). Such infrequent or sporadic testing offers a considerable window of opportunity following damage to a sensor during which damage to the barrier or to an obstacle can occur.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5127190 (1992-07-01), Hein et al.
patent: 5412297 (1995-05-01), Clark et al.
patent: 5493812 (1996-02-01), Teich
patent: 5517575 (1996-05-01), Ladewski
patent: 5584145 (1996-12-01), Teich
patent: 5596840 (1997-01-01), Teich
patent: 5625980 (1997-05-01), Teich et al.
patent: 5949207 (1999-09-01), Luebke et al.
patent: 6225768 (2001-05-01), Cookson et al.
patent: 6469524 (2002-10-01), Oberdier
patent: 2002/0065083 (2002-05-01), Patel
patent: 2003/0023881 (2003-01-01), Fitzgibbon et al.
International Search Report for PCT patent application PCT/US03/03785 completed on Jun. 25, 2003.
“Security Gate Systems.” 2 pp. Jan. 31, 2002. <http://www.simplygates.com/acon-16html>.
“Linear MegaCode Radio Controls for Gate Operators and Garage Door Openers.” 3 pp. Hoover Fence Co. Jan. 31, 2002. <http://www.hooverfence.com/catalog/entry_systems/linear/megacode.htm>.
“Phantom Featheredge.” May 30, 2001: 2pp. Cookson Company Jan. 31, 2002 <http://www.cooksondoor.com
ewpages/corporate/phanedge.html>.
“Door Minder” 2 pp. Martec Access Products Jan. 1, 2002. <http.//www.martecaccess.com/.
Mehalshick George M.
Pongrazzi Kevin
Staub Christopher J.
Fitch Even Tabin & Flannery
Strimbu Gregory J.
The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
LandOfFree
Wireless barrier-edge monitor method does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Wireless barrier-edge monitor method, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Wireless barrier-edge monitor method will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3243128