Power driven venting of a vehicle
First Claim
1. Apparatus for closing a power driven vent within an opening, the vent including a first closing edge that moves as the vent is closed and the opening including a second closing edge that is contacted by the first closing edge when the vent is in a fully closed position, the apparatus comprising:
- a detector configured to detect an obstruction along the second closing edge without requiring contact between the obstruction and the vent the detector comprising;
a first emitter adapted for selectively generating a first energy beam proximate the opening;
a first receiver capable of selectively receiving the first beam from the first emitter and for providing a first signal characteristic of the received first beam;
a second emitter adapted for selectively generating a second energy beam proximate the opening;
a second receiver capable of selectively receiving the second beam from the second emitter and for providing a second signal characteristic of the received second beam; and
a controller connected to the detector for receiving the first and second signals and for selectively delivering an alarm signal in response thereto.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An obstruction detection apparatus is provided for use in closing a power driven vent, such as a window, that is located in an opening. When the vent includes a first closing edge that moves as the vent is closed and the opening includes a second closing edge that is contacted by the first closing edge when the vent is in a fully closed position, the apparatus includes a detector configured to detect an obstruction at points all along the second closing edge without requiring contact between the obstruction and the vent and to deliver a detection signal when an obstruction is detected. A controller is connected to the detector for receiving the detection signal and delivering a corresponding alarm signal.
190 Citations
18 Claims
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1. Apparatus for closing a power driven vent within an opening, the vent including a first closing edge that moves as the vent is closed and the opening including a second closing edge that is contacted by the first closing edge when the vent is in a fully closed position, the apparatus comprising:
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a detector configured to detect an obstruction along the second closing edge without requiring contact between the obstruction and the vent the detector comprising;
a first emitter adapted for selectively generating a first energy beam proximate the opening;
a first receiver capable of selectively receiving the first beam from the first emitter and for providing a first signal characteristic of the received first beam;
a second emitter adapted for selectively generating a second energy beam proximate the opening;
a second receiver capable of selectively receiving the second beam from the second emitter and for providing a second signal characteristic of the received second beam; and
a controller connected to the detector for receiving the first and second signals and for selectively delivering an alarm signal in response thereto. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A system for monitoring an aperture, comprising:
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a first emitter and receiver pair, said first emitter being disposed in opposing relation to said first receiver with respect to said aperture;
a second emitter and receiver pair, said second emitter being disposed in opposing relation to said second receiver with respect to said aperture; and
a controller for selectively activating said first and second emitter and receiver pairs and for receiving an output signal from said first and second receivers;
wherein said first emitter and receiver pair is disposed proximate said aperture and substantially parallel to said second emitter and receiver pair, said first emitter being adjacent said second receiver and said first receiver being adjacent said second emitter. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14)
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15. A method of monitoring an area adjacent an aperture for an object disposed within said area, comprising:
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activating a first emitter to emit a first energy beam proximate said aperture;
attempting to receive at least a portion of said first energy beam with a first receiver;
generating a first output signal characteristic of said attempted receipt by said first receiver;
activating a second emitter to emit a second energy beam proximate said aperture;
attempting to receive at least a portion of said second energy beam with a second receiver;
generating a second output signal characteristic of said attempted receipt by said second receiver; and
comparing said first output signal to said second output signal to establish the presence or absence of said object. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
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Specification