US 5,625,980 A · Garage door opener with remote safety sensors

Abstract

An automatic door opening safety system particularly for use with garage doors is provided. The garage door includes a leading edge that moves from the open position, where the leading edge defines the top of the opening and a closed position, where the leading edge contacts the ground. A controller is provided for controlling movement of the door. An activation member provides an input to the controller to initiate movement of the door. A non-contact detector detects whether an obstruction is in the path of the door. The non-contact detector is positioned in front of the leading edge of the door, such that obstructions are detected at a predetermined distance in front of the leading edge of said door.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An automatic door opening safety system having a door including a leading edge that moves along a path between an open position and a closed position, comprising:

means for controlling movement of said door;
activation means for providing an input to said controlling means to initiate said movement of said door;
detecting means for detecting whether an obstruction is in the path of said door;
and
said detecting means being positioned in front of the leading edge of said door, such that obstructions are detected at a distance in front of the leading edge of said door;
wherein said detecting means includes an infrared transmitter and an infrared receiver arranged to detect said obstruction therebetween;
first and second ball jointed attached to first and second mounting plates which secures said infrared transmitter and said infrared receiver respectively to said door.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Garage door opener with remote safety sensors

Life of this patent

Garage door opener with remote safety sensors

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20