Automated actuator for sliding panels
First Claim
1. An apparatus for actuating a panel slidably mounted to control access through a passageway, the apparatus comprising:
- a support member having a first end and a second end;
a first assembly removably mounted to the first end of the support member and adapted to adjust the length of the support member for being braced at a side of the passageway;
a second assembly removably mounted to the support member and including a drive mechanism;
a third assembly removably mounted to the second end of the support member and adapted to move the panel between an open and close position to control access through the passageway, the third assembly having opposed end portions and an endless flexible member, one of the opposed end portions adapted to be removably mounted to and in registration with the drive mechanism of the second assembly for the drive mechanism to engage the endless flexible member, the other one of the opposed end portions extending to a position adjacent the panel to be actuated and;
a coupling assembly for disengagingly coupling the third assembly to the panel, the coupling assembly including a first coupling member mounted to the endless flexible member of the third assembly, and a second coupling member removably mounted to the panel, the first and second coupling members adapted for releasable engagement with each other.
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Accused Products
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.
86 Citations
24 Claims
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1. An apparatus for actuating a panel slidably mounted to control access through a passageway, the apparatus comprising:
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a support member having a first end and a second end; a first assembly removably mounted to the first end of the support member and adapted to adjust the length of the support member for being braced at a side of the passageway; a second assembly removably mounted to the support member and including a drive mechanism; a third assembly removably mounted to the second end of the support member and adapted to move the panel between an open and close position to control access through the passageway, the third assembly having opposed end portions and an endless flexible member, one of the opposed end portions adapted to be removably mounted to and in registration with the drive mechanism of the second assembly for the drive mechanism to engage the endless flexible member, the other one of the opposed end portions extending to a position adjacent the panel to be actuated and; a coupling assembly for disengagingly coupling the third assembly to the panel, the coupling assembly including a first coupling member mounted to the endless flexible member of the third assembly, and a second coupling member removably mounted to the panel, the first and second coupling members adapted for releasable engagement with each other. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. An apparatus for actuating a panel slidably mounted between a first track and a second track to open and close a passageway, the apparatus comprising:
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a support column having an upper end and a lower end; an adjustment assembly removably mounted to the lower end of the support column for adjusting the length of the support column, the adjustment assembly adapted to be disposed in the first track to brace the support column to one side of the passageway; a positioning member removably mounted to the upper end of the support column, the positioning member adapted to be disposed in the second track; a first housing removably mounted to the support column, the first housing having a drive assembly disposed therein; a second housing having opposed ends, one of the opposed ends adapted for being removably mounted at the upper end of the support column and for being in registration with the first housing, wherein the other of the opposed ends extends to a position adjacent the panel to be actuated, the second housing including; a channel extending lengthwise along the second housing to an interior of the second housing, the channel facing the panel, an endless flexible member disposed for movement within the second housing, the endless flexible member adapted to be moved by the drive assembly of the first housing, a first engaging member mounted to the flexible continuous member and extending through the channel to face the panel; and a second engaging member removably mounted to the panel to releasably engage the first engaging member extending from the channel of the second housing. - View Dependent Claims (24)
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Specification