Anti-entrapment system

An anti-entrapment system for preventing objects from being entrapped by a translating device, the system comprising:

• a capacitance sensor positioned adjacent to a translating device, the capacitance sensor having first and second conductors separated by a separation distance and a compressible dielectric element interposed between the conductors, the conductors having a capacitance dependent upon the separation distance;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a geometry of the capacitance sensor changing as a result of at least one of the conductors and the dielectric element deforming in response to a first object touching the capacitance sensor;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a second conductive object coming into proximity with at least one of the conductors;
• and
• a controller for receiving a signal from the capacitance sensor indicative of the capacitance of the conductors, wherein the controller controls the translating device as a function of the capacitance of the conductors in order to prevent the translating device from entrapping either object, wherein the controller generates an electrical charge on the conductors, wherein the controller transfers electrical charge on the conductors to a charge storing device for the charge storing device to capture, wherein the electrical charge captured by the charge storing device is the signal from the capacitance sensor indicative of the capacitance of the conductors.

An anti-entrapment system for preventing objects from being entranced by a translating device, the system comprising:

• a capacitance sensor positioned adjacent to a translating device, the capacitance sensor having first and second conductors separated by a separation distance and a compressible dielectric element interposed between the conductors, the conductors having a capacitance dependent upon the separation distance;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a geometry of the capacitance sensor changing as a result of at least one of the conductors and the dielectric element deforming in response to a first object touching the capacitance sensor;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a second conductive object coming into proximity with at least one of the conductors;
• and
• a controller for receiving a signal from the capacitance sensor indicative of the capacitance of the conductors, wherein the controller controls the translating device as a function of the capacitance of the conductors in order to prevent the translating device from entrapping either object;
• wherein the controller retracts the translating device upon the controller detecting an object touching the capacitance sensor or in proximity of the capacitance sensor in order to prevent entrapment of the object by the translating device and allow the object to be moved freely away from the translating device.

An anti-entrapment system for preventing objects from being entrapped by a translating device, the system comprising:

• a capacitance sensor positioned adjacent to a translating device, the capacitance sensor having first and second conductors separated by a separation distance and a compressible dielectric element interposed between the conductors, the conductors having a capacitance dependent upon the separation distance;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a geometry of the capacitance sensor changing as a result of at least one of the conductors and the dielectric element deforming in response to a first object touching the capacitance sensor;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a second conductive object coming into proximity with at least one of the conductors;
• and
• a controller for receiving a signal from the capacitance sensor indicative of the capacitance of the conductors, wherein the controller controls the translating device as a function of the capacitance of the conductors in order to prevent the translating device from entrapping either object;
• wherein the controller executes an override of preventing the translating device from entrapping either object upon command of an operator.

An anti-entrapment system for preventing objects from being entrapped by a translating device, the system comprising:

• a capacitance sensor positioned adjacent to a translating device, the capacitance sensor having first and second conductors separated by a separation distance and a compressible dielectric element interposed between the conductors, the conductors having a capacitance dependent upon the separation distance;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a geometry of the capacitance sensor changing as a result of at least one of the conductors and the dielectric element deforming in response to a first object touching the capacitance sensor;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a second conductive object coming into proximity with at least one of the conductors;
• and
• a controller for receiving a signal from the capacitance sensor indicative of the capacitance of the conductors, wherein the controller controls the translating device as a function of the capacitance of the conductors in order to prevent the translating device from entrapping either object;
• wherein the controller executes automatic calibration procedures upon controlling the translating device to move in a manner that potentially results in entrapment of either object by the translating device.

An anti-entrapment system for preventing objects from being entrapped by a translating device, the system comprising:

• a capacitance sensor positioned adjacent to a translating device, the capacitance sensor having first and second conductors separated by a separation distance and a compressible dielectric element interposed between the conductors, the conductors having a capacitance dependent upon the separation distance;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a geometry of the capacitance sensor changing as a result of at least one of the conductors and the dielectric element deforming in response to a first object touching the capacitance sensor;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a second conductive object coming into proximity with at least one of the conductors;
• and
• a controller for receiving a signal from the capacitance sensor indicative of the capacitance of the conductors, wherein the controller controls the translating device as a function of the capacitance of the conductors in order to prevent the translating device from entrapping either object;
• wherein the controller executes shutdown of movement of the translating device when the translating device is stationary.

An anti-entrapment system for preventing objects from being entrapped by a translating device, the system comprising:

• a capacitance sensor positioned adjacent to a translating device, the capacitance sensor having first and second conductors separated by a separation distance and a compressible dielectric element interposed between the conductors, the conductors having a capacitance dependent upon the separation distance;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a geometry of the capacitance sensor changing as a result of at least one of the conductors and the dielectric element deforming in response to a first object touching the capacitance sensor;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a second conductive object coming into proximity with at least one of the conductors;
• and
• a controller for receiving a signal from the capacitance sensor indicative of the capacitance of the conductors, wherein the controller controls the translating device as a function of the capacitance of the conductors in order to prevent the translating device from entrapping either object;
• wherein the controller executes software to monitor speed of the translating device as the translating device moves.

An anti-entrapment system for preventing objects from being entrapped by a translating device, the system comprising:

• a capacitance sensor positioned adjacent to a translating device, the capacitance sensor having first and second conductors separated by a separation distance and a compressible dielectric element interposed between the conductors, the conductors having a capacitance dependent upon the separation distance;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a geometry of the capacitance sensor changing as a result of at least one of the conductors and the dielectric element deforming in response to a first object touching the capacitance sensor;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a second conductive object coming into proximity with at least one of the conductors;
• and
• a controller for receiving a signal from the capacitance sensor indicative of the capacitance of the conductors, wherein the controller controls the translating device as a function of the capacitance of the conductors in order to prevent the translating device from entrapping either object, wherein the controller includes Hall-Effect sensors.

An anti-entrapment system for preventing objects from being entrapped by a translating device, the system comprising:

• a capacitance sensor positioned adjacent to a translating device, the capacitance sensor having first and second conductors separated by a separation distance and a compressible dielectric element interposed between the conductors, the conductors having a capacitance dependent upon the separation distance;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a geometry of the capacitance sensor changing as a result of at least one of the conductors and the dielectric element deforming in response to a first object touching the capacitance sensor;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a second conductive object coming into proximity with at least one of the conductors;
• and
• a controller for receiving a signal from the capacitance sensor indicative of the capacitance of the conductors, wherein the controller controls the translating device as a function of the capacitance of the conductors in order to prevent the translating device from entrapping either object, wherein the controller enters a power saving mode when the system is idle.

An anti-entrapment system for preventing objects from being entrapped by a translating device, the system comprising:

• a capacitance sensor positioned adjacent to a translating device, the capacitance sensor having first and second conductors separated by a separation distance and a compressible dielectric element interposed between the conductors, the conductors having a capacitance dependent upon the separation distance;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a geometry of the capacitance sensor changing as a result of at least one of the conductors and the dielectric element deforming in response to a first object touching the capacitance sensor;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a second conductive object coming into proximity with at least one of the conductors;
• and
• a controller for receiving a signal from the capacitance sensor indicative of the capacitance of the conductors, wherein the controller controls the translating device as a function of the capacitance of the conductors in order to prevent the translating device from entrapping either object;
• wherein the controller determines presence or absence of an object in proximity to the capacitance sensor as a function of deviation about a nominal value of the signal from the capacitance sensor.

An anti-entrapment system for preventing objects from being entrapped by a translating device, the system comprising:

• a capacitance sensor positioned adjacent to a translating device, the capacitance sensor having first and second conductors separated by a separation distance and a compressible dielectric element interposed between the conductors, the conductors having a capacitance dependent upon the separation distance;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a geometry of the capacitance sensor changing as a result of at least one of the conductors and the dielectric element deforming in response to a first object touching the capacitance sensor;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a second conductive object coming into proximity with at least one of the conductors;
• and
• a controller for receiving a signal from the capacitance sensor indicative of the capacitance of the conductors, wherein the controller controls the translating device as a function of the capacitance of the conductors in order to prevent the translating device from entrapping either object;
• wherein the controller requires a quickly rising or falling signal from the capacitance sensor to continue rising or falling prior to controlling the translating device as a function of the signal in order to prevent noise from falsely being interpreted by the controller as being an object in the presence of the capacitance sensor.

An anti-entrapment system for preventing objects from being entrapped by a translating device, the system comprising:

• a capacitance sensor positioned adjacent to a translating device, the capacitance sensor having first and second conductors separated by a separation distance and a compressible dielectric element interposed between the conductors, the conductors having a capacitance dependent upon the separation distance;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a geometry of the capacitance sensor changing as a result of at least one of the conductors and the dielectric element deforming in response to a first object touching the capacitance sensor;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a second conductive object coming into proximity with at least one of the conductors;
• and
• a controller for receiving a signal from the capacitance sensor indicative of the capacitance of the conductors, wherein the controller controls the translating device as a function of the capacitance of the conductors in order to prevent the translating device from entrapping either object;
• wherein the controller measures environmental parameters such as temperature and humidity in order to compensate the signal from the capacitance sensor for the changing environmental conditions.

An anti-entrapment system for preventing objects from being entrapped by a translating device, the system comprising:

• a capacitance sensor positioned adjacent to a translating device, the capacitance sensor having first and second conductors separated by a separation distance and a compressible dielectric element interposed between the conductors, the conductors having a capacitance dependent upon the separation distance;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a geometry of the capacitance sensor changing as a result of at least one of the conductors and the dielectric element deforming in response to a first object touching the capacitance sensor;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a second conductive object coming into proximity with at least one of the conductors;
• and
• a controller for receiving a signal from the capacitance sensor indicative of the capacitance of the conductors, wherein the controller controls the translating device as a function of the capacitance of the conductors in order to prevent the translating device from entrapping either object;
• wherein the controller uses EEPROM to store operating parameters for the capacitance sensor and for the translating device.

An anti-entrapment system for preventing objects from being entrapped by a translating device, the system comprising:

• a capacitance sensor positioned adjacent to a translating device, the capacitance sensor having first and second conductors separated by a separation distance and a compressible dielectric element interposed between the conductors, the conductors having a capacitance dependent upon the separation distance;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a geometry of the capacitance sensor changing as a result of at least one of the conductors and the dielectric element deforming in response to a first object touching the capacitance sensor;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a second conductive object coming into proximity with at least one of the conductors;
• and
• a controller for receiving a signal from the capacitance sensor indicative of the capacitance of the conductors, wherein the controller controls the translating device as a function of the capacitance of the conductors in order to prevent the translating device from entrapping either object;
• wherein the controller monitors positions of switches, dials, or levers over time such that the controller interprets the positions of the switches, dials, or levers as use commands for controlling the translating device.

An anti-entrapment system for preventing objects from being entrapped by a translating device, the system comprising:

• a capacitance sensor positioned adjacent to a translating device, the capacitance sensor having first and second conductors separated by a separation distance and a compressible dielectric element interposed between the conductors, the conductors having a capacitance dependent upon the separation distance;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a geometry of the capacitance sensor changing as a result of at least one of the conductors and the dielectric element deforming in response to a first object touching the capacitance sensor;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a second conductive object coming into proximity with at least one of the conductors;
• and
• a controller for receiving a signal from the capacitance sensor indicative of the capacitance of the conductors, wherein the controller controls the translating device as a function of the capacitance of the conductors in order to prevent the translating device from entrapping either object;
• wherein the controller receives user commands for controlling the translating device from a serial or parallel communications interface.

An anti-entrapment system for preventing objects from being entrapped by a translating device, the system comprising:

• a capacitance sensor positioned adjacent to a translating device, the capacitance sensor having first and second conductors separated by a separation distance and a compressible dielectric element interposed between the conductors, the conductors having a capacitance dependent upon the separation distance;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a geometry of the capacitance sensor changing as a result of at least one of the conductors and the dielectric element deforming in response to a first object touching the capacitance sensor;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a second conductive object coming into proximity with at least one of the conductors;
• and
• a controller for receiving a signal from the capacitance sensor indicative of the capacitance of the conductors, wherein the controller controls the translating device as a function of the capacitance of the conductors in order to prevent the translating device from entrapping either object;
• wherein the controller monitors ambient conditions to control the translating device autonomously.

An anti-entrapment system for preventing objects from being entrapped by a translating device, the system comprising:

• a capacitance sensor positioned adjacent to a translating device, the capacitance sensor having first and second conductors separated by a separation distance and a compressible dielectric element interposed between the conductors, the conductors having a capacitance dependent upon the separation distance;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a geometry of the capacitance sensor changing as a result of at least one of the conductors and the dielectric element deforming in response to a first object touching the capacitance sensor;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a second conductive object coming into proximity with at least one of the conductors;
• and
• a controller for receiving a signal from the capacitance sensor indicative of the capacitance of the conductors, wherein the controller controls the translating device as a function of the capacitance of the conductors in order to prevent the translating device from entrapping either object;
• wherein the controller controls the translating device by controlling a motor which powers the translating device;
• wherein the controller counts motor commutator pulses to determine motor speed and position which is indicative of translating device speed and position.

An anti-entrapment system for preventing objects from being entrapped by a translating device, the system comprising:

• a capacitance sensor positioned adjacent to a translating device, the capacitance sensor having first and second conductors separated by a separation distance and a compressible dielectric element interposed between the conductors, the conductors having a capacitance dependent upon the separation distance;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a geometry of the capacitance sensor changing as a result of at least one of the conductors and the dielectric element deforming in response to a first object touching the capacitance sensor;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a second conductive object coming into proximity with at least one of the conductors;
• and
• a controller for receiving a signal from the capacitance sensor indicative of the capacitance of the conductors, wherein the controller controls the translating device as a function of the capacitance of the conductors in order to prevent the translating device from entrapping either object;
• wherein the controller controls the translating device by controlling a motor which powers the translating device;
• wherein the controller uses Hall-effect sensors to determine motor speed, direction, and position.

An anti-entrapment system for preventing objects from being entrapped by a translating device, the system comprising:

• a capacitance sensor positioned adjacent to a translating device, the capacitance sensor having first and second conductors separated by a separation distance and a compressible dielectric element interposed between the conductors, the conductors having a capacitance dependent upon the separation distance;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a geometry of the capacitance sensor changing as a result of at least one of the conductors and the dielectric element deforming in response to a first object touching the capacitance sensor;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a second conductive object coming into proximity with at least one of the conductors;
• and
• a controller for receiving a signal from the capacitance sensor indicative of the capacitance of the conductors, wherein the controller controls the translating device as a function of the capacitance of the conductors in order to prevent the translating device from entrapping either object;
• wherein the controller uses translating device speed, position, and direction information to calculate expected contribution to the signal from the capacitance sensor upon the signal indicating the presence of an object in proximity to the capacitance sensor and then compensates for signal as a function of the calculated expected contribution.

An anti-entrapment system for preventing objects from being entrapped by a translating device, the system comprising:

• a capacitance sensor positioned adjacent to a translating device, the capacitance sensor having first and second conductors separated by a separation distance and a compressible dielectric element interposed between the conductors, the conductors having a capacitance dependent upon the separation distance;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a geometry of the capacitance sensor changing as a result of at least one of the conductors and the dielectric element deforming in response to a first object touching the capacitance sensor;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a second conductive object coming into proximity with at least one of the conductors;
• and
• a controller for receiving a signal from the capacitance sensor indicative of the capacitance of the conductors, wherein the controller controls the translating device as a function of the capacitance of the conductors in order to prevent the translating device from entrapping either object;
• wherein the controller retracts the translating device to enable an object to be released from entrapment by the translating device.

An anti-entrapment system for preventing objects from being entrapped by a translating device, the system comprising:

• a capacitance sensor positioned adjacent to a translating device, the capacitance sensor having first and second conductors separated by a separation distance and a compressible dielectric element interposed between the conductors, the conductors having a capacitance dependent upon the separation distance;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a geometry of the capacitance sensor changing as a result of at least one of the conductors and the dielectric element deforming in response to a first object touching the capacitance sensor;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a second conductive object coming into proximity with at least one of the conductors;
• and
• a controller for receiving a signal from the capacitance sensor indicative of the capacitance of the conductors, wherein the controller controls the translating device as a function of the capacitance of the conductors in order to prevent the translating device from entrapping either object;
• wherein the controller is operable to close the translating device in the presence of an object to the capacitance sensor.

An anti-entrapment system for preventing objects from being entrapped by a translating device, the system comprising:

• a capacitance sensor positioned adjacent to a translating device, the capacitance sensor having first and second conductors separated by a separation distance and a compressible dielectric element interposed between the conductors, the conductors having a capacitance dependent upon the separation distance;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a geometry of the capacitance sensor changing as a result of at least one of the conductors and the dielectric element deforming in response to a first object touching the capacitance sensor;
• wherein the capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a second conductive object coming into proximity with at least one of the conductors;
• and
• a controller for receiving a signal from the capacitance sensor indicative of the capacitance of the conductors, wherein the controller controls the translating device as a function of the capacitance of the conductors in order to prevent the translating device from entrapping either object;
• wherein the controller calibrates operating parameters of the capacitance sensor each time the translating device is closed.