Self-correcting sensor for an entrance

• US 20050055880A1
• Filed: 09/12/2003
• Published: 03/17/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 09/12/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: B.E.A. Holdings, Inc. (Halma PLC)
• Original Assignee: B.E.A. Holdings, Inc. (Halma PLC)
• Inventors: Schluep, Thomas P., Gierl, Kevin J.
• Granted Patent: US 7,178,289 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 49/26
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/42 Detection using safety edges
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2201/47 Springs; Spring tensioners
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2600/13 by motors, magnets, springs, weights
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2600/45 in or on the fixed frame
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2800/342 Deformable
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2800/406 against deformation
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2800/407 plastic deformation
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/00 Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/106 for garages
• CPC Class Codes: E06B 2009/6836 sensing obstacle

Abstract

A radiation transmitting or sensing element is placed in a generally elongated holder of resilient material so that, if it is distorted by an accidental impact or otherwise, it will automatically re-orient itself when the intruding force is released. The invention is especially useful in safety accessories for automatic overhead doors, garages, and the like.

Claims

1. A self-correcting sensing element device comprising a base, a generally elongated flexible support member having a base end, a working end, and an axis in the direction of elongation, said base end fastened to said base, and a sensing element in said working end, said generally elongated flexible support member being capable of returning to its original shape after being deformed.

2. Sensing element device of claim 1 wherein said sensing element is oriented at 90°

from said axis of said generally elongated support member.

3. Sensing element device of claim 1 wherein said sensing element is oriented in the same direction as the axis of said generally elongated flexible support member.

4. Sensing element device of claim 1 wherein said flexible support member is made of a material having a durometer Shore hardness A in the range of 40 to 80.

5. Sensing element device of claim 4 wherein said material has a dorometer Shore hardness A in the range of 50 to 70.

6. Sensing element device of claim 1 including wires for providing power to said sensing element, said wires being strung through said flexible support member.

7. Sensing element device of claim 1 including wires for connecting said sensing element to a system for detecting the presence of a person or object in a doorway.

8. Sensing element device of claim 7 installed in a doorway.

9. Sensing element device of claim 7 wherein said sensing element is oriented 90°

from the axis of said generally elongated flexible member.

10. Sensing element device of claim 7 wherein said sensing element is a photocell.

11. Sensing element device of claim 7 wherein said sensing element is a microwave transceiver.

12. Sensing element device of claim 7 wherein said sensing element is an ultrasonic device.

13. A safety system for an automatic door, for detecting the presence of a person or object in the path of a door in the process of opening or closing, comprising at least one radiation element positioned to detect presence or motion in or near said door and an electrical presence detecting system responsive thereto, wherein said at least one radiation element is mounted on a flexible, generally elongated support, said flexible generally elongated support being capable of returning to its original shape immediately after the release of a bending force.

14. Safety system of claim 13 wherein at least one of said radiation elements is mounted at 90°

from the direction of elongation of said support.

15. Safety system of claim 13 wherein at least on of said radiation elements is mounted at the end of one of said flexible elongated supports.

16. Safety system of claim 13 wherein said flexible generally elongated support is made of material having a dorometer Shore hardness A in the range of 40-80.

17. Safety system of claim 13 wherein said flexible generally elongated support is made of material having a dorometer Shore hardness A in the range of 50-70.

18. Safety system of claim 13 wherein said at least one radiation element is a photocell.

19. Safety system of claim 13 wherein said at least one of said radiation elements is a passive radiation element.

20. A system for detecting the presence of a person or object in the path of an automatic door in the process of opening, comprising a presence detecting system including at least one radiation transmitter on one side of said door and at least one radiation detector on the other side of said door, wherein said transmitter and said detector are mounted on flexible, generally elongated supports, said flexible generally elongated supports being capable of returning to their original shape immediately after the release of a bending force.