IP Library Granted Patent US 7,331,141
Granted Patent B2
US 7,331,141 · App. 10/867,243 · Granted Feb 19, 2008

Automatic door control apparatus

Assignee: Door Control Services, Inc.
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,331,141
App. No.
10/867,243
Granted
Feb 19, 2008
Kind
B2
Abstract

The present invention provides a control apparatus for automatic sliding doors that can be used with a plurality of door brands and models. The invention includes a control box and an idler pulley mounted to the door header. Both the control box and idler pulley can be mounted on a variety of door models by means of specific header brackets that are configured for each door model. The control box also provides a universal signal interface that can interpret sensor signals from a plurality of door models. A drive belt revolves on the idler pulley and is moved by a motorized pulley controlled by the control box. At least one belt bracket is fastened to the drive belt with a belt clamp, wherein the belt bracket is attached to a sliding door panel. Like the control box and idler pulley, the belt bracket can be used with a variety of door models and is attached to the sliding panel by means of a door bracket that is specific to the door model in question.

Claims (16)

1. A control apparatus for automatic sliding doors, wherein the control apparatus may be used with a plurality of door brands and models, the control apparatus comprising:

a chassis mounted to a door header;

a control box mounted on said chassis, the control box includes a sensor cable assembly and an input/output cable assembly and provides a universal signal interface with means for interpreting sensor signals from a plurality of automatic door models;

a motorized pulley mounted on said chassis, wherein the motorized pulley is controlled by said control box;

an idler pulley mounted to the door header;

a drive medium that revolves on said idler pulley and is moved by said motorized pulley;

at least one drive medium bracket that is fastened to the drive medium with a clamp, wherein the bracket is attached to a sliding door; and

said chassis includes a mounting means which mounts said control box and motorized pulley in different spatial configurations relative to each other, and the control apparatus is retrofitted to existing automatic doors in service, independent of the make and model of said doors.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising:

a second drive medium bracket attached to a second door and fastened to said drive medium by a second clamp, wherein the second bracket moves in the opposite direction of the first bracket when the drive medium revolves around the pulleys.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control box can be mounted to a plurality of door models by means of header brackets that are specifically configured for each door model.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the idler pulley can be mounted to a plurality of door models by means of header brackets that are specifically configured for each door model.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the drive medium bracket can be mounted to a plurality of door models by means of door brackets that are specifically configured for each door model.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the drive medium is a belt.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the drive medium is a cable.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the drive medium is a roller chain.

Assignments (2)
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Feb 27, 2012
From: DOOR CONTROL SERVICES, INC.
To: THE FROST NATIONAL BANK D/B/A FROST CAPITAL GROUP
Reel/Frame 027764/0635 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jun 22, 2004
From: GILCHRIST, JIMMY DON
To: DOOR CONTROL SERVICES, INC.
Reel/Frame 014764/0621 →
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20050274078A1 · Dec 15, 2005