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Automated secure door for robotic mower

  • US 10,159,181 B2
  • Filed: 02/01/2018
  • Issued: 12/25/2018
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/02/2017
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A doorway system for a robotic vehicle that accesses a separated area through a barrier having a doorway formed therethrough, comprising:

  • a wireless transmitter that transmits an electronic signal from the robotic vehicle;

    a door movably disposed within the doorway, between a closed position and an open position;

    a doorway device coupled to the barrier adjacent said door, having a wireless receiver coupled to a controller that is coupled to a locking mechanism configured to selectively engage and lock said door at said closed position, and operable to unlock said door upon receipt of said electronic signal by said wireless receiver, and whereinmovement of the robotic vehicle toward said doorway device enables communication of said electronic signal from said wireless transmitter to said wireless receiver such that said controller unlocks said door to thereby enable movement of said door to said open position;

    a magnet disposed between said door and said doorway device to encourage said door towards said closed position;

    a Hall effect sensor positioned adjacent said door to provide a position signal to said controller to confirm said door is at said closed position, and whereinupon passage of said robotic vehicle through the doorway to the separated area, and return of said door to said closed position with the assistance of said magnet, and upon receipt of said position signal from said Hall effect sensor, said controller controls said locking mechanism to engage and lock said door.

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