초록 ▼

A simplified pneumatic door control system provides door control operations for opening, closing, stopping and reversing a door. The door control system includes as control inputs a gas source, a pneumatic motor, a first pilot valve, and pressurized manual check valves. The pressurized manually op

A simplified pneumatic door control system provides door control operations for opening, closing, stopping and reversing a door. The door control system includes as control inputs a gas source, a pneumatic motor, a first pilot valve, and pressurized manual check valves. The pressurized manually opened check valves may be used to remotely activate the control system. The control system further includes a second pilot valve, limit triggers, and a braking system. A reversing function of the control system provides the ability to reverse the direction of the door should the door encounter an obstruction upon closing. A second embodiment provides a hold to open control scheme, wherein the door travels only while a pressurized check valve is vented. Corresponding methods for controlling the door are also provided.

대표청구항 ▼

We claim: 1. A door operator, comprising: a pneumatic gas source; a pneumatic motor coupled to a door; a first pilot valve in fluid communication between the pneumatic gas source and the pneumatic motor, wherein the first pilot valve rests in a neutral position that does not allow the passage of ga

We claim: 1. A door operator, comprising: a pneumatic gas source; a pneumatic motor coupled to a door; a first pilot valve in fluid communication between the pneumatic gas source and the pneumatic motor, wherein the first pilot valve rests in a neutral position that does not allow the passage of gas from the gas source to the pneumatic motor, thereby maintaining the pneumatic motor unactuated; and a first check valve and a second check valve in fluid communication with the first pilot valve, wherein the pneumatic gas source delivers gas to the first pilot valve to maintain the first pilot valve in the neutral position, further wherein actuating one of the first check valve and the second check valve vents gas from the first pilot valve facilitating shifting of the first pilot valve to a respective one of a first position and a second position each of which allows the passage of gas from the pneumatic gas source through the first pilot valve and to the pneumatic motor, thereby actuating the motor and moving the door. 2. The door operator according to claim 1, further comprising: a brake air cylinder coupled to a brake; and a shuttle check valve in communication with first and second ports of the motor and the brake air cylinder, wherein delivery of gas to the motor causes the shuttle check valve to open and deliver gas to the brake air cylinder, thereby causing the brake air cylinder to release the brake. 3. The door operator according to claim 2, wherein the brake is in communication with a driveshaft of the motor. 4. The door operator according to claim 1, further comprising: a second pilot valve in communication with the pneumatic gas source; a limit trigger in communication with the second pilot valve, wherein the limit trigger is activated upon the door reaching a fully opened position; and a first return air cylinder coupled to the first pilot valve and in fluid communication with the second pilot valve, wherein the limit trigger moves the second pilot valve to a position that allows the passage of gas from the pneumatic gas source through the second pilot valve and to the first return air cylinder, thereby moving the first pilot valve to the neutral position. 5. The door operator according to claim 4, further comprising: a second return air cylinder coupled to the first pilot valve and in fluid communication with the second pilot valve; a third pilot valve in communication with the pneumatic gas source and the second pilot valve, the third pilot valve rests in a neutral position that does not allow the passage of gas from the pneumatic gas source therethrough; and a third check valve in fluid communication with the third pilot valve, wherein, when the third check valve is vented, the third pilot valve is shifted to a position that allows gas to flow from the pneumatic gas source through the third and second pilot valves and to the first and second return air cylinders, thereby moving the first pilot valve to the neutral position. 6. The door operator according to claim 5, wherein the third pilot valve includes a third return air cylinder. 7. The door operator according to claim 5, further comprising: a cam-operated valve in fluid communication with the pneumatic gas source and the third pilot valve; an actuator disposed on the cam-operated valve, wherein when the actuator is actuated gas from the pneumatic gas source passes through the cam-operated valve, through the third pilot valve, through the second pilot valve, and to the first and second return air cylinders, thereby moving the first pilot valve to the neutral position. 8. The door operator according to claim 7, further comprising: a door release mechanism, wherein the door may be manually moved when the release mechanism is activated. 9. The door operator according to claim 8, wherein the release mechanism is a cable. 10. The door operator according to claim 1, further comprising: wherein actuating the second check valve actuates the motor to lower the door. 11. The door operator according to claim 10, further comprising: a brake air cylinder coupled to a brake; and a shuttle check valve in communication with first and second ports of the motor and the brake air cylinder, wherein delivery of gas to the motor causes the shuttle check valve to open and deliver gas to the brake air cylinder, thereby causing the brake air cylinder to release the brake. 12. The door operator according to claim 11, wherein the brake is in communication with a driveshaft of the motor. 13. The door operator according to claim 11, further comprising: a fourth pilot valve in fluid communication with first and second ports of the motor and the first check valve; and a biasing mechanism disposed in the fourth pilot valve, wherein, when the door is closing, the fourth pilot valve vents the first check valve once a pressure differential between the first and second ports of the motor overcomes the biasing force of biasing mechanism thereby causing the door to open. 14. The door operator according to claim 13, wherein a pressure differential that overcomes the biasing force occurs when the door encounters an object when closing. 15. The door operator according to claim 1, further comprising: a third check valve in fluid communication with the first check valve, wherein, when the third manual check valve is vented, the first pilot valve moves to the first position that allows gas from the pneumatic gas source to move through the first pilot valve to the motor to open the door. 16. The door operator according to claim 15, wherein the second check valve is located remote from the first check valve. 17. The door operator according to claim 16, wherein the second check valve is located on a leading edge of the door. 18. The door operator according to claim 17, further comprising: a limiter valve in fluid communication between the first check valve and the third check valve, wherein the limiter valve is activated immediately prior to the door fully closing. 19. The door operator according to claim 18, wherein gas from the pneumatic gas source does not flow to the third check valve when the limiter valve is activated. 20. The door operator according to claim 19, wherein the limiter valve is deactivated when the door is open. 21. The door operator according to claim 1, wherein the first pilot valve includes a biasing return mechanism that maintains the first pilot valve in the neutral position when the door operator is not vented. 22. The door operator according to claim 21, further comprising: a cam-operated valve in fluid communication with the pneumatic gas source and a second pilot valve; and an actuator disposed on the cam-operated valve, wherein gas from the pneumatic gas source passes through the cam-operated valve and the second pilot valve to first and second return air cylinders which return the first pilot valve to the neutral position when the actuator is operated. 23. The door operator according to claim 21, wherein pressing and holding the first check valve vents the first check valve which causes the first pilot valve to shift to and remain in the first position which allows the passage of gas from the pneumatic gas source to the pneumatic motor, thereby actuating the motor and raising the door. 24. The door operator according to claim 21, wherein the biasing return mechanism includes a spring.