US5040331A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Remote controlled opening device
Assignee: ALBRECHT Inc 2700 GILCHRIST ROAD AKRON OH 44305
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Filing: 1990-11-01
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Granted: 1991-08-20
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Expires: 2010-11-01
Abstract
Abstract The invention relates to an automatic remote controlled opening device which may be used to open and close doors, windows or similar closure systems. The opening device includes a receiver to detect control signals generated at a remote location from the device. The control signals are then utilized to effect selective operation of a mechanical system coupled with the closure system for opening and closing thereof. The mechanical system enables smooth and efficient automatic opening and closing, but does not inhibit manual operation of the door or the like. Control circuitry associated with the device enables various functions to be performed for selective operation of the device. The device may also be provided with a stored energy source of power such that it can be retrofit for use with an existing closure system. Auxiliary control of the device enables opening or closing in response to an emergency situation or other circumstances.
Inventors
- 👤 Paul A. Merendino
- 👤 Fred I. Albrecht
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 20:14
CPC Classifications
E; E05; E05F; E05F15/00; E05F15/60; E05F15/603; E05F15/611; E05F15/63; E05F15/70; E05F15/77; E05F15/78; E05Y; E05Y2201/00; E05Y2201/20; E05Y2201/23; E05Y2201/232; E05Y2201/236; E05Y2201/40; E05Y2201/43; E05Y2201/434; E05Y2201/60; E05Y2201/622; E05Y2201/624; E05Y2400/00; E05Y2400/10; E05Y2400/30; E05Y2400/3013; E05Y2400/61; E05Y2400/612; E05Y2400/614; E05Y2400/628; E05Y2600/00; E05Y2600/40; E05Y2600/46; E05Y2800/00; E05Y2800/37; E05Y2800/372; E05Y2900/00; E05Y2900/10; E05Y2900/13; E05Y2900/132
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
180 words
A selectively operable automatic opening and closing device for use with a closure system comprising, a reversible motor means having a drive shaft to generate a driving force for opening or closing of a closure system, control circuit means associated with said motor means being responsive to a plurality of actuation signals to affect operation of said motor means to drive said drive shaft in a predetermined direction and at a selected speed dependent upon the position of said closure system, a drive train coupled to said output shaft including adjustable slip clutch means wherein said slip clutch means may be selectively adapted to slip during initial operation of said motor means to slowly initiate movement of said closure system, an adjustable linkage means coupled to said drive train and said closure system to translate said driving force of said output shaft to said closure system, remote signal transmission means adapted to selectively generate a plurality of actuation signals received by said control circuit means to affect operation of said motor means to selectively open or close said closure system.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
180 words
A selectively operable automatic opening and closing device for use with a closure system comprising, a reversible motor means having a drive shaft to generate a driving force for opening or closing of a closure system, control circuit means associated with said motor means being responsive to a plurality of actuation signals to affect operation of said motor means to drive said drive shaft in a predetermined direction and at a selected speed dependent upon the position of said closure system, a drive train coupled to said output shaft including adjustable slip clutch means wherein said slip clutch means may be selectively adapted to slip during initial operation of said motor means to slowly initiate movement of said closure system, an adjustable linkage means coupled to said drive train and said closure system to translate said driving force of said output shaft to said closure system, remote signal transmission means adapted to selectively generate a plurality of actuation signals received by said control circuit means to affect operation of said motor means to selectively open or close said closure system.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
49 words
The automatic opening and closing device of claim 1, wherein, said control circuit means includes a light detecting means which will first receive remotely transmitted optical actuation signals to generate control signals and a preamp to receive and boost said first control signals to useable levels in said circuit.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
61 words
The automatic opening and closing device of claim 2, wherein, said control circuit means includes a power supervision circuit comprising an FET device normally in a non-conducting state which is coupled to said preamp wherein said preamp will supply a proper polarity electrical current signal to turn said FET device conducting to power up other portions of said control circuit means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
90 words
The automatic opening and closing device of claim 1, wherein, said control circuit means includes a clock means and a logic integrated circuit which receive said boosted control signals, wherein said logic integrated circuit will act to decode said first control signals to be matched with a stored instruction in said control circuit means wherein upon matching of said decoded first control signal and said stored instruction, the control circuit will initiate operation of said motor means to drive said drive shaft for opening or closing of said closure system.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
64 words
The automatic opening and closing device of claim wherein, said control circuit means includes an optical feedback circuit comprising a means to monitor the position of said closure system and said optical feedback circuit generates second control signals adapted to affect automatic stopping of the closure system during an opening sequence or to slow movement of said closure system during a closing sequence thereof.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
101 words
The automatic opening and closing device of claim 5, wherein, said means to monitor the position of said closure system is a stop ring coupled to said drive shaft of said motor means having at least one aperture therein which is associated with light emitting and receiving means positioned in fixed predetermined relationship to said closure system to define at least one predetermined position of said closure system wherein upon movement of said closure system, to said predetermined position, said aperture will allow light transmission from said light emitting means to said light detecting means to generate said second control signals.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
88 words
The automatic opening and closing device of claim 6, wherein, said at least one aperture in said stop ring is a slot in one side thereof which extends over a predetermined angular extent relative to the maximum rotational movement of said closure system, wherein said slot will allow transmission of light from said light emitting means to said light detecting means at predetermined positions relative to fully closed or fully opened positions of said closure system to indicate the position of said closure system at said predetermined positions.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
73 words
The automatic opening and closing device of claim 6, wherein, said stop ring includes a plurality of apertures therein which will allow light to be transmitted from said light emitting means to said light detecting means at a plurality of positions between fully opened or fully closed positions of said closure system to monitor the position of said closure system at a plurality of positions between said fully opened or fully closed positions.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
62 words
The automatic opening and closing device of claim wherein, said control circuit means comprises a microprocessor means which is responsive to said plurality of actuation signals to develop control signals to initiate operation of said motor means to drive said drive shaft in a predetermined direction and at a selected speed to affect an opening or closing sequence for said closure system.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
42 words
The automatic opening and closing device of claim wherein, said drive train further includes reducing gear means having a high reduction gear ratio to supply a desired amount of torque to said linkage means for opening and closing of said closure system.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
87 words
The automatic opening and closing device of claim 1, wherein, said adjustable slip clutch means includes a drive plate coupled to said drive shaft of said motor means and a driven plate coupled to said linkage means, and having a friction disc disposed between said drive plate and said driven plate with means to apply an adjustable pressure between said drive plate and said driven plate by means of said friction disc to generate a predetermined torque on the driven plate upon rotation of said drive plate.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
65 words
The automatic opening and closing device of claim 11, wherein, said means to apply an adjustable pressure between said drive plate and said driven plate is a Belleville washer acted upon by a lock nut, wherein said lock nut may be adjustably positioned against said washer to vary the downward force placed upon said driven plate and against friction disc relative to said drive plate.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
58 words
The automatic opening and closing device of claim 1, wherein, said adjustable linkage means comprises a first arm portion rotationally coupled to said drive train, a second arm portion telescopically slidable within said first arm portion at one end thereof and having means at the other end thereof to secure said second arm portion to said closure system.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-08-19 | 1995-02-18 | 1995-08-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-08-19 | 1999-02-18 | 1999-08-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-08-19 | 2003-02-18 | 2003-08-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |