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Intelligent door restraint

  • US 8,225,458 B1
  • Filed: 11/30/2005
  • Issued: 07/24/2012
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/13/2001
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A control system, comprising:

  • (a) a door closer, comprising a member configured to control a position of a door, an energy storage element configured to store energy when a door is opened, and to close the door through a release of stored energy, and a fluidic damper configured to selectively varying a damping of at least a closure of the door;

    (b) an input port configured to receive a control signal;

    (c) an automated processor configured to process said control signal and produce an output for selectively controlling the fluidic damper, to initially substantially restrain the door in an open condition by restriction of fluid flow, and subsequently permit damped door closure after a variable time period in dependence on said control signal, by relaxation of said restriction of fluid flow, the variable time period having a normal range; and

    (d) a fail-safe closure structure, configured to automatically permit damped closure of the door independent of a state of the output, by release of the stored energy in the door closer, said closure structure comprising a bleed valve which is configured to permit a fluid flow in the fluidic damper when the door is substantially restrained in an open condition for a time period in excess of the normal range of variable time periods, to ensure closure of the door within a predetermined period, wherein the fail-safe closure structure ensures fail-safe door closure even in event of an extended state of the output for restraining the door in an open condition beyond the normal range of variable time periods.

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