WO2024116189A1

WO2024116189A1 - System for detecting presence of an obstacle during closing of an electric roller shutter or an electric sliding gate, and applications thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2024116189A1
Application number: PCT/IL2023/051233
Authority: WO
Inventors: Zvi DANZIGER
Original assignee: Danziman Tech Ltd
Priority date: 2022-12-02
Filing date: 2023-12-01
Publication date: 2024-06-06
Also published as: IL298755A; IL298755B1; IL298755B2

Abstract

System for detecting presence of an obstacle during closing of an electric roller shutter or electric sliding gate, and applications thereof. System includes: main board assembly; two sensor modules, wirelessly communicable with main board assembly; two primary magnetic assemblies, magnetically communicable with respective sensor modules; at least one secondary magnetic assembly, magnetically communicable with respective sensor module. Gate obstacle detection system further includes a gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement, for fixedly holding the sensor modules. Main board assembly includes: micro-controller, transceiver, and electrical relay switches. Each sensor module includes: micro-controller, transceiver, sensor module reed switches, and power supply. Electrical relays have default electrically closed configurations that facilitate continued operation of shutter or gate during malfunction or stopped function of system components. Applicable to different kinds and configurations of window or doorway electric roller shutters, vehicle parking lot entrance/exit electric sliding gates, and property entrance/exit electric sliding gates.

Description

SYSTEM FOR DETECTING PRESENCE OF AN OBSTACLE DURING CLOSING OF AN ELECTRIC ROLLER SHUTTER OR AN ELECTRIC SLIDING GATE, AND APPLICATIONS THEREOF

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority from IL Patent Application No. 298755, filed Dec. 02, 2022, entitled "A Detection System For A Roller Shutter Closing", the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to the field of obstacle detection particularly relating to closing of an electric roller shutter or an electric sliding gate, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a system for detecting presence of an obstacle during closing of an electric roller shutter or an electric sliding gate, and applications thereof. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are applicable to various different kinds and configurations of window or doorway electric roller shutters, vehicle parking lot entrance/exit electric sliding gates, and property entrance/exit electric sliding gates.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Automatically controllable electric (downward/upward) roller shutters and electric (rightward/leftward) sliding gates are commonly employed for protecting property and controlling or managing entry /exit of persons or/and vehicles. For example, electric roller shutters are installed in front of or behind windows and doors, for the objective of providing another layer of protection in addition to a window or door itself. Electric roller shutters may also be employed instead of doors, by being installed around doorways or entranceways which are absent of doors. For example, electric sliding gates are installed at entrances to, and if applicable, also at exits from, vehicle parking lots and properties of residential entities (e.g., homes, home communities [aka., "gated communities"], apartment buildings), commercial entities (e.g., office buildings, shopping centers, hotels, sports and entertainment parks, warehouses), and government entities (e.g., government office buildings, warehouses, military installations). An electric roller shutter has two fixed tracks, and an electric sliding gate has at least one fixed track, along which the shutter or gate automatically moves (rolls or slides) for being closed and opened. For example, an electric (downward/upward) roller shutter typically has two vertically (ground up) extending parallel fixed tracks located on opposite right and left side ends of the shutter, inside and along which the lateral ends of shutter slats or panels are unrolled and move downward for closing the shutter, and move (rolled) upward for opening the shutter. For example, regular (single gate) and telescopic (stacked gates) types of electric (rightward/leftward) sliding gates have a single horizontally (left- to -right) extending fixed track (located in the ground, or being the ground itself), along which gate bottom mounted wheels move and slide the gate rightward for closing the gate, and, move and slide the gate leftward for opening the gate. A cantilever (suspended) type of electric (rightward/leftward) sliding gate has a single horizontally extending fixed track (housing bearings) suspended above the ground, along which the gate bottom moves (slides) rightward for closing the gate, and moves (slides) leftward for opening the gate. Proper functioning of such electric roller shutters and electric sliding gates requires that the fixed tracks or pathways remain clear of obstacles that may physically interfere with moving (rolling or sliding) of the shutter or gate.

In addition to the fixed tracks or pathways requiring (obstacle free) clearance for proper function, there is also need for the leading side (i.e., the leading bottom end side of the bottommost slat) of an electric (downward/upward) roller shutter, and the leading right end side of the rightmost part of an electric (rightward/leftward) sliding gate) to have a leading or forward air pathway (trajectory) absent of any (sufficiently sized) obstacle that may physically interfere with 'closing' the shutter or gate. For example, for window or door type electric (downward/upward) roller shutters, exemplary (sufficiently sized) obstacles are misplaced packages, boxes, chairs, toys, persons, cats, dogs, among other possible objects, located on the floor or ground and occupying space within the leading or forward air pathway of the bottommost slat of the shutter, whereby such obstacles physically interfere with closing of the shutters. Additionally, for example, for electric (rightward/leftward) sliding gates installed at entrances/exits of vehicle parking lots and properties of residential, commercial, and government entities, exemplary (sufficiently sized) obstacles are often temporarily stopped vehicles, unauthorized parked vehicles, and may also be misplaced packages, boxes, persons, cats, dogs, among other possible objects, located on or/and above the ground and occupying space within the leading or forward air pathway of the rightmost part of the gate, whereby such obstacles physically interfere with closing of the gates. Physical interference by an obstacle during closing of an electric shutter or gate may cause damage to the shutter or gate, or/and to the obstacle, whereby, desirably, such possible damage is to be prevented. For example, for electric (downward/upward) roller shutters, numerous attempts have been made for preventing such possible damage by employing techniques based on (electronically, electromechanically) automatically sensing or detecting, and automatically reacting to, presence of an obstacle in the leading or forward air pathway (trajectory) of the shutter. Prior art includes various teachings about such techniques which include use of sensors or detectors operating via electromagnetic radiation (e.g., radio (RF), infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), magnetic), or sound waves (e.g., ultrasonics). Exemplary teachings about such electric roller shutter type automatic obstacle sensing or detecting techniques are disclosed in EP Patent No. 1843004 Al (Gerard, et al.); U.S. Patent No. 6,218,940 (Reje, et al.); and in U.S. Pat. Appl. Pub. No. 2019/1069908 Al (Siewert, et al.).

Despite such attempts and teachings, there is an on-going need for developing and implementing new and improved techniques (apparatuses, methods) for detecting presence of an obstacle during closing of an electric roller shutter or an electric sliding gate, via automatic, efficient, accurate, reliable, and cost effective means. Moreover, there is a particular need for such techniques that are applicable to different kinds and configurations of window or doorway electric roller shutters, vehicle parking lot entrance/exit electric sliding gates, and property entrance/exit electric sliding gates.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a system for detecting presence of an obstacle during closing of an electric (downward/upward) roller shutter, the system comprising: a shutter main board assembly, operably connectable, via a shutter motor switch, to a shutter power supply, and operably connectable to a shutter motor powered by the shutter power supply and configured for imparting reversible downward unrolling and upward rolling motions to slats of the shutter along a vertical shutter pathway extending between a leading bottom side of a bottommost slat of the shutter and a ground level of the shutter.

The shutter obstacle detection system further comprises: a left side shutter bottommost slat sensor module, attachable to a left side end portion of a bottommost slat of the shutter, and a right side shutter bottommost slat sensor module, attachable to a right side end portion of the bottommost shutter slat, wherein, when so attached, each one of the left side and right side shutter bottommost slat sensor modules is wirelessly communicable with the shutter main board assembly.

The shutter obstacle detection system further comprises: a left side shutter penultimate slat magnetic assembly, attachable to a left side end portion of a penultimate slat of the shutter, and a right side shutter penultimate slat magnetic assembly, attachable to a right side end portion of the penultimate shutter slat, wherein, when so attached, each one of the left side and right side shutter bottommost slat sensor modules is magnetically communicable with a respective one of the left side and right side shutter penultimate slat magnetic assemblies.

The shutter obstacle detection system further comprises: a left side shutter slat rolling track bottom magnetic assembly, attachable to a bottom end portion of a left side shutter slat rolling track, or/and a right side shutter slat rolling track bottom magnetic assembly, attachable to a bottom end portion of a right side shutter slat rolling track, wherein, when so attached, the left side shutter bottommost slat sensor module is magnetically communicable with the left side shutter slat rolling track bottom magnetic assembly, or/and the right side shutter bottommost slat sensor module is magnetically communicable with the right side shutter slat rolling track bottom magnetic assembly.

Upon implementation of the shutter obstacle detection system, during downward closing of the shutter, if the left side or the right side shutter bottommost slat sensor module magnetically communicates with a respective one of the left side or the right side shutter penultimate slat magnetic assembly before the left side or the right side shutter bottommost slat sensor module magnetically communicates with a respective one of the left side or the right side shutter slat rolling track bottom magnetic assembly, then the left side or the right side shutter bottommost slat sensor module sends a signal to the shutter main board assembly indicative of the presence of an obstacle located in or along the vertical shutter pathway, whereby the shutter main board assembly instructs the shutter motor to stop imparting downward unrolling motion to the shutter slats. According to some embodiments of the invention, the main board assembly includes: (i) a main board micro-controller, operably connectable to, and communicable with, the shutter motor switch; (ii) a main board transceiver, operatively connected to, and in communication with, the main board micro-controller, and wirelessly communicable with the left side and right side shutter bottommost slat sensor modules; and (iii) two main board electrical relays, operatively connected to, and in communication with, the main board micro-controller, and, operably connectable to the shutter motor.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the two main board electrical relays includes a main board first electrical relay and a main board second electrical relay, whereby, via the implementation of the system, each one of the main board first electrical relay and the main board second electrical relay is operatively connected to the shutter motor, for facilitating the shutter downward unrolling motion, and the shutter upward rolling motion, respectively, via operation of the main board micro -controller and the shutter motor.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the main board first electrical relay has a preset, and reset, default electrically closed configuration, for the facilitating shutter downward unrolling motion, and the main board second electrical relay has a preset, and reset, default electrically closed configuration, for the facilitating shutter upward rolling motion, via the operation of the main board micro-controller and the shutter motor.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the preset, and reset, default electrically closed configurations facilitate electrical continuity between the main board micro-controller and the main board first and second electrical relays, respectively, and enables continued, uninterrupted, functioning of the shutter in scenarios involving malfunction, or stopped function, of one or more system components.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the main board assembly further includes: an optional main board shutter direction sensor, operatively connected to, and in communication with, the main board micro -controller, and configured for continuously identifying direction of the downward unrolling or the upward rolling motions of the shutter, and in a continuous manner, sending signals with such identified shutter direction of motion to the main board micro-controller.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the main board shutter direction sensor, and operation thereof, serve as a validation or confirmation mechanism used by the main board micro-controller, for validating or confirming, in a continuous manner, the direction of the downward unrolling or the upward rolling motions of the shutter, as part of determining, and then instructing, whether to facilitate downward closing, or upward opening, of the shutter.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the main board assembly further includes: an optional main board alarm, operatively connected to, and in communication with, the main board micro-controller, and configured for becoming activated for generating an alarm or warning signal indicating obstacle detection. According to some embodiments of the invention, via instruction of the main board micro-controller, the alarm or warning signal is wirelessly sent, via the main board transceiver, to one or more local or/and remote shutter status notification receiving devices.

According to some embodiments of the invention, each one of the left side and the right side shutter bottommost slat sensor modules includes: (i) a sensor module microcontroller; (ii) a sensor module transceiver, operatively connected to, and in communication with, the sensor module micro-controller, and wirelessly communicable with the main board transceiver; (iii) two sensor module reed switches, with each one operatively connected to, and in communication with, the sensor module micro -controller; and (iv) a sensor module power supply, operatively connected to the sensor module components (i) - (iii).

According to some embodiments of the invention, the two sensor module reed switches includes a sensor module first reed switch operatively connected to, and in communication with, the sensor module micro -controller, and also being magnetically communicable with the left side shutter penultimate slat magnetic assembly, and a sensor module second reed switch operatively connected to, and in communication with, the sensor module micro-controller, and also being magnetically communicable with the right side shutter slat rolling track bottom magnetic assembly.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a system for detecting presence of an obstacle during closing of an electric (rightward/leftward) sliding gate, the system comprising: a gate main board assembly, operably connectable, via a gate motor switch, to a gate power supply, and operably connectable to a gate motor powered by the gate power supply and configured for imparting reversible rightward and leftward sliding motions to the gate along a horizontal gate pathway extending between a leading right end side of a rightmost side vertical end bar or strut of the gate (202rm) and a right side closing boundary of the gate.

The gate obstacle detection system further comprises: a gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement, moveably or flexibly attachable, in a spring-like manner, to the rightmost side vertical end bar or strut of the gate. The gate obstacle detection system further comprises: a top portion gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module, fixedly attachable to a top portion of the gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement, and a bottom portion gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module, fixedly attachable to a bottom portion of the gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement, wherein, when the sensor holding supplement is so attached to the gate, and the sensor modules are so attached to the sensor holding supplement, each one of the top portion and bottom portion gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor modules is wirelessly communicable with the gate main board assembly.

The gate obstacle detection system further comprises: a top portion gate rightmost end bar magnetic assembly, attachable to a top portion of the rightmost side vertical end bar of the gate, and a bottom portion gate rightmost end bar magnetic assembly, attachable to a bottom portion of the rightmost side vertical end bar of the gate, wherein, when so attached, each one of the top portion and bottom portion gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor modules is magnetically communicable with a respective one of the top portion and bottom portion gate rightmost end bar magnetic assemblies.

The gate obstacle detection system further comprises: a top portion gate right side closing boundary magnetic assembly, attachable to a top portion of a gate right side closing boundary, or/and a bottom portion gate right side closing boundary magnetic assembly, attachable to a bottom portion of the gate right side closing boundary, wherein, when so attached, the top portion gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module is magnetically communicable with the top portion gate right side closing boundary magnetic assembly, or/and the bottom portion gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module is magnetically communicable with the bottom portion gate right side closing boundary magnetic assembly.

Upon implementation of the gate obstacle detection system, during rightward closing of the gate, if the top portion or the bottom portion gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module magnetically communicates with a respective one of the top portion or the bottom portion gate rightmost end bar magnetic assembly before the top portion or the bottom portion gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module magnetically communicates with a respective one of the top portion or the bottom portion gate right side closing boundary magnetic assembly, then the top portion or the bottom portion gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module sends a signal to the gate main board assembly indicative of the presence of an obstacle located in or along the horizontal gate pathway, whereby the gate main board assembly instructs the gate motor to stop imparting rightward sliding motion to the gate. According to some embodiments of the invention, the main board assembly includes: (i) a main board micro-controller, operably connectable to, and communicable with, the gate motor switch; (ii) a main board transceiver, operatively connected to, and in communication with, the main board micro-controller, and wirelessly communicable with the top portion and the bottom portion gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor modules; and (iii) two main board electrical relays, operatively connected to, and in communication with, the main board micro-controller, and, operably connectable to the gate motor.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the two main board electrical relays includes a main board first electrical relay and a main board second electrical relay, whereby, via the implementation of the system, each one of the main board first electrical relay and the main board second electrical relay is operatively connected to the gate motor, for facilitating the gate rightward sliding motion, and the gate leftward sliding motion, respectively, via operation of the main board micro-controller and the gate motor.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the board first electrical relay has a preset, and reset, default electrically closed configuration, for the facilitating gate rightward sliding motion, and the main board second electrical relay has a preset, and reset, default electrically closed configuration, for the facilitating gate leftward sliding motion, via the operation of the main board micro-controller and the shutter motor.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the preset, and reset, default electrically closed configurations facilitate electrical continuity between the main board micro-controller and the main board first and second electrical relays, respectively, and enables continued, uninterrupted, functioning of the gate in scenarios involving malfunction, or stopped function, of one or more system components.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the main board assembly further includes: an optional main board gate direction sensor, operatively connected to, and in communication with, the main board micro -controller, and configured for continuously identifying direction of the rightward sliding or the leftward sliding motions of the gate, and in a continuous manner, sending signals with such identified gate direction of motion to the main board micro-controller.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the-main board gate direction sensor, and operation thereof, serve as a validation or confirmation mechanism used by the main board micro-controller, for validating or confirming, in a continuous manner, the direction of the rightward sliding or the leftward sliding motions of the gate, as part of determining, and then instructing, whether to facilitate rightward closing, or leftward opening, of the gate.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement has a configuration with a shape and size, and dimensions being same as, or similar to, configuration shape and size, and dimensions of the gate rightmost side vertical end bar or strut. According to some embodiments of the invention, the gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement is made of a material selected from the group consisting of metallic materials, non-metallic materials, composite types of materials, and combinations thereof. According to some embodiments of the invention, via the implementation of the system, the gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement is moveably or flexibly attached, in a spring-like manner, to the gate rightmost side vertical end bar or strut, via at least one spring-like elastic connecting member.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement is moveably or flexibly attached, in a spring-like manner, to the gate rightmost side vertical end bar or strut, via two spring-like elastic connecting members, being a first spring-like elastic member, and a second spring-like connecting member. According to some embodiments of the invention, the first spring-like elastic connecting member is configured for moveably or flexibly attaching, in a spring-like manner, a top portion of the gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement to a top portion of the gate rightmost side vertical end bar or strut, and the second spring-like elastic connecting member is configured for moveably or flexibly attaching, in a spring-like manner, a bottom portion of the gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement to a bottom portion of the gate rightmost side vertical end bar or strut. According to some embodiments of the invention, the spring-like elastic connecting member is made or constructed from spring-like elastic, or spring-like elastic providing, connecting assemblies or elements, including spring-mounted screws, spring-mounted nails, spring -mounted bolts, spring-mounted bars or rods. According to some embodiments of the invention, the gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement is moveably or flexibly attachable, in a spring-like manner, to the gate rightmost side vertical end bar or strut, via the first and second spring-like elastic connecting members, in a manner, such that a reversibly variable horizontal distance spans in between a right side of the gate rightmost side vertical end bar or strut and a left side of the gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement. According to some embodiments of the invention, the reversibly variable horizontal distance has a reversibly variable magnitude in a range of between one centimeter and fifty centimeters.

According to some embodiments of the invention, each one of the top portion and the bottom portion gate rightmost side bar sensor modules includes: (i) a sensor module microcontroller; (ii) a sensor module transceiver, operatively connected to, and in communication with, the sensor module micro-controller, and wirelessly communicable with the main board transceiver; (iii) two sensor module reed switches, with each one operatively connected to, and in communication with, the sensor module micro -controller; and (iv) a sensor module power supply, operatively connected to the sensor module components (i) - (iii).

According to some embodiments of the invention, the two sensor module reed switches includes a sensor module first reed switch operatively connected to, and in communication with, the sensor module micro -controller, and also being magnetically communicable with the top portion gate rightmost end bar magnetic assembly, and a sensor module second reed switch operatively connected to, and in communication with, the sensor module micro-controller, and also being magnetically communicable with the bottom portion gate right side closing boundary magnetic assembly.

All technical or/and scientific words, terms, or/and phrases, used herein have the same or similar meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains, unless otherwise specifically defined or stated herein. Exemplary embodiments of apparatuses (devices, systems, components thereof), equipment, materials, and methods (steps, procedures), illustratively described herein are exemplary and illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting. Although apparatuses, equipment, materials, and methods, equivalent or similar to those described herein can be used in practicing or/and testing embodiments of the invention, exemplary apparatuses, equipment, materials, and methods, are illustratively described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the present invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings and photographs. With specific reference now to the drawings and photographs in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative description of some embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, the description taken together with the accompanying drawings and photographs make apparent to those skilled in the art how some embodiments of the present invention may be practiced.

In the drawings and photographs:

FIGs. 1 - 5 are schematic diagrams of an exemplary embodiment of the shutter obstacle detection system (components and relative locations thereof) as applied to an exemplary electric (downward/upward) roller shutter, highlighting sequential stages of downward closing (lowering) of the shutter, without presence of an obstacle (FIGs. 1 - 3), and with presence of an obstacle (FIGs. 1, 4, 5), in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the shutter main board assembly (and components thereof), in relation to other components and devices associated with operation of the shutter obstacle detection system, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the shutter bottom slat sensor module (and components thereof), in relation to other components of the shutter obstacle detection system, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of sequential actions (processes) taking place during operation of the shutter obstacle detection system as applied to the exemplary electric (downward/upward) roller shutter, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIGs. 9 - 14 are photographs showing an exemplary (actual) prototype shutter obstacle detection system (components and relative locations thereof) as applied to an exemplary (actual) electric (downward/upward) roller shutter, highlighting sequential stages of downward closing (lowering) the shutter, without presence of an obstacle (FIGs. 9 - 11), and with presence of an obstacle (FIGs. 9, 12, 13, 14), in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a photograph showing a close-up view of the shutter main board assembly (with an optional alarm device), of the exemplary prototype shutter obstacle detection system (of FIGs. 9 - 14), relative to the shutter motor switch, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIGs. 16 and 17 are photographs showing close-up views of the shutter bottommost slat sensor module, the shutter penultimate (next-to-bottom) slat magnetic assembly, and the shutter slat rolling track bottom magnetic assembly, relative to each other during closing (lowering) of the shutter without presence of an obstacle, at near full closure of the shutter (FIG. 16), and at full closure of the shutter (FIG. 17), in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIGs. 18 - 22 are schematic diagrams of an exemplary embodiment of the gate obstacle detection system (components and relative locations thereof) as applied to an exemplary electric (rightward/leftward) sliding gate, highlighting sequential stages of rightward sliding and closing of the gate, without presence of an obstacle (FIGs. 18 - 20), and with presence of an obstacle (FIGs. 18, 21, 22), in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the gate main board assembly (and components thereof), in relation to other components and devices associated with operation of the gate obstacle detection system, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the gate supplement sensor module (and components thereof), in relation to other components of the gate obstacle detection system, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 25 is a schematic flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of sequential actions (processes) taking place during operation of the gate obstacle detection system as applied to the exemplary electric (rightward/leftward) sliding gate, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system for detecting presence of an obstacle during closing of an electric roller shutter or an electric sliding gate, and applications thereof. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are applicable to various different kinds and configurations of window or doorway electric roller shutters, vehicle parking lot entrance/exit electric sliding gates, and property entrance/exit electric sliding gates.

The inventors observed that there is an on-going need for developing and implementing new and improved techniques (apparatuses, methods) for detecting presence of an obstacle during closing of an electric roller shutter or an electric sliding gate, via automatic, efficient, accurate, reliable, and cost effective means.

Herein, for brevity, the system for detecting presence of an obstacle during closing of an electric (downward/upward) roller shutter is also referred to as the shutter obstacle detection system. Similarly, for brevity, the system for detecting presence of an obstacle during closing of an electric (rightward/leftward) sliding gate is also referred to as the gate obstacle detection system. Devices, modules, assemblies, components, mechanisms, and their structural and functional (operational) aspects and features of the shutter obstacle detection system are equally applicable, or very similarly applicable, in analogous ways, to those of the gate obstacle detection system. Some differences thereof are present due to the particular physical, structural, geometrical (positional, orientational), and mechanical differences which exist between electric (downward/upward) roller shutters and electric (rightward/leftward) sliding gates. An objective common to both systems is to address the problematic and undesirable phenomenon of physical interference due to presence of an obstacle during closing of an electric roller shutter or an electric sliding gate, so as to prevent, or at least minimize, possible damage to the shutter or gate, or/and to the obstacle. Moreover, to fulfill such objective via automatic, efficient, accurate, reliable, and cost effective means.

In exemplary embodiments, each of the shutter obstacle detection system and the gate obstacle detection system includes main components: (i) a main board assembly; (ii) two sensor modules, with each one being wirelessly communicable with the main board assembly; (iii) two primary magnetic assemblies, with each one being magnetically communicable with a respective sensor module; and (iv) either one secondary magnetic assembly, or two secondary magnetic assemblies, with each one also being magnetically communicable with a respective sensor module. In exemplary embodiments, the gate obstacle detection system further includes an additional main component being: (v) a gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement, moveably or flexibly attachable (in a spring-like manner) to the gate rightmost side vertical end bar or strut, and configured for fixedly holding the two sensor modules.

In exemplary embodiments of each of the shutter obstacle detection system and the gate obstacle detection system, the main board assembly includes main components: (i) a main board micro-controller (microprocessor), operably connectable to, and communicable with, a (existing, i.e., non-system) shutter or gate motor switch; (ii) a main board transceiver, operatively connected to, and in communication with, the main board micro -controller, and wirelessly communicable with the sensor modules; and (iii) two main board electrical relays (electrical relay switches), operatively connected to, and in communication with, the main board micro-controller, and, operably connectable to a (existing, i.e., non-system) motor of the shutter or gate. In exemplary embodiments, the main board assembly is housed in a main board assembly housing. In exemplary embodiments, the main board assembly further includes optional components: (iv) an optional main board (shutter or gate) direction sensor, operatively connected to, and in communication with, the main board micro-controller; and (v) an optional main board alarm, operatively connected to, and in communication with, the main board micro-controller, or, alternatively, (externally) operatively connected to the main board assembly, and in communication with the main board micro-controller therein. In additional exemplary embodiments, the main board transceiver is wirelessly communicable with one or more local or/and remote shutter or gate status notification receiving devices, such as a locally or remotely located computer (and display thereof), a locally or remotely located computer-type device (and display thereof), or/and a locally or remotely located mobile phone (and display thereof).

In exemplary embodiments of each of the shutter obstacle detection system and the gate obstacle detection system, each of the two sensor modules includes main components: (i) a sensor module micro -controller (microprocessor); (ii) a sensor module transceiver, operatively connected to, and in communication with, the sensor module micro -controller, and wirelessly communicable with the main board transceiver; (iii) two sensor module reed switches, with each one operatively connected to, and in communication with, the sensor module micro-controller, and with a sensor module first reed switch also being magnetically communicable with a respective primary magnetic assembly, and with a sensor module second reed switch also being magnetically communicable with a respective secondary magnetic assembly; and (iv) a sensor module power supply, operatively connected to sensor module components (i) - (iii). In exemplary embodiments, each sensor module is housed in a sensor module housing.

In exemplary embodiments, implementation and operation of the obstacle detection system (and components thereof) as applied to an electric (downward/upward) roller shutter or an electric (rightward/leftward) sliding gate encompass the following (sequential) actions.

Initially, a user presses a shutter or gate motor switch (in an initial rest or neutral position) for closing the shutter or gate. This action sets (activates) the main board assembly (and components thereof) for possible obstacle detection. The main board micro-controller sends a signal (with instructions) to the main board first electrical relay (having an electrically closed configuration, for facilitating shutter downward unrolling motion or gate rightward sliding motion), which, in turn, sends a signal to the shutter or gate motor, for turning on (starting) the shutter or gate motor, so as to start closing of the shutter or gate.

Following initial turning on of the shutter or gate motor, for the scenario of no obstacle being present in or along the pathway (trajectory) of the closing shutter or gate, the shutter or gate motor remains turned on during the remainder of fully or completely closing the shutter or gate. At near full or near complete closure of the shutter or gate, the sensor module second reed switch moves sufficiently close to (e.g., within 2 cm from), and magnetically communicates with, the secondary magnetic assembly {thereby, facilitating closing of the electrical circuit in the sensor module second reed switch}, before the sensor module first reed switch moves sufficiently close to (e.g., within 2 cm from), and magnetically communicates with, the primary magnetic assembly {thereby, leaving the sensor module first reed switch with its open electrical circuit}.

The closed electrical circuit of the sensor module second reed switch is detected by the sensor module micro-controller, which then sends a signal (with instructions) to the sensor module transceiver. The sensor module transceiver then sends a signal to, via wireless communication with, the main board transceiver, which, in turn, sends a signal to the main board micro-controller. The main board micro-controller interprets this signal as corresponding to a condition of no obstacle being present in or along the pathway (trajectory) of the closing shutter or gate, whereby, no further action is taken by the main board micro-controller during closing of the shutter or gate. Accordingly, the main board electrical relay (having the electrically closed configuration for facilitating shutter downward unrolling motion or gate rightward sliding motion) remains in the electrically closed configuration, thereby leaving the shutter or gate motor to remain on during the remainder of fully or completely closing the shutter or gate.

Alternatively, following initial turning on of the shutter or gate motor for closing the shutter or gate, for the scenario of an obstacle being present in or along the pathway (trajectory) of the closing shutter or gate, via actions of the main board assembly (and components thereof), the shutter or gate motor undergoes a programmed sequence of: (i) turning off and stopping (for a short preset time period or delay); (ii) again turning on and restarting (for a short preset time period or delay, or preset distance safely away from the obstacle, of reverse motion [partial reopening] of the shutter or gate); and (iii) again turning off and stopping, and remaining turned off, until there is resetting of the system, followed by new instruction to turn on and start for closing or opening the shutter or gate. Nearly instantly after the (in progress) closing shutter or gate contacts (bumps into) the obstacle, the sensor module first reed switch moves sufficiently close to (e.g., within 2 cm from), and magnetically communicates with, the primary magnetic assembly {thereby, facilitating closing of the electrical circuit in the sensor module first reed switch}, before the sensor module second reed switch moves sufficiently close to (e.g., within 2 cm from), and magnetically communicates with, the secondary magnetic assembly {thereby, leaving the sensor module second reed switch with its open electrical circuit}. The closed electrical circuit of the sensor module first reed switch is detected by the sensor module micro-controller, which then sends a signal (with instructions) to the sensor module transceiver. The sensor module transceiver then sends a signal to, via wireless communication with, the main board transceiver, which, in turn, sends a signal to the main board micro-controller. The main board micro-controller interprets this signal as corresponding to a condition of an obstacle being present in or along the pathway (trajectory) of the closing shutter or gate, whereby, further action needs to be taken by the main board micro-controller during closing of the shutter or gate.

Accordingly, the main board micro -controller sends a signal (with instructions) to the main board first electrical relay, for converting its initial (default) electrically closed configuration to a (temporary) electrically open configuration, which, in turn, facilitates temporarily turning off and stopping of the shutter or gate motor (for a short preset time period or delay), thereby, temporarily stopping (interrupting) the (in progress) shutter downward unrolling motion or the gate rightward sliding motion. At the end of the preset time period or delay, the main board micro -controller sends a signal (with instructions) to the main board second electrical relay (in its initial (default) electrically closed configuration), so as to actuate the main board second electrical relay (for facilitating shutter upward rolling motion or gate leftward sliding motion), which sends a signal to the shutter or gate motor, for again turning on and restarting the shutter or gate motor (for a short preset time period or delay, or preset distance safely away from the obstacle, of reverse motion [partial reopening] of the shutter or gate).

At the end of the preset time period or delay, or preset distance, of reverse motion [partial reopening] of the shutter or gate, the main board micro-controller sends a signal (with instructions) to the main board second electrical relay for converting its initial (default) electrically closed configuration to a (temporary) electrically open configuration, which, in turn, facilitates again turning off and stopping the shutter or gate motor (and remaining stopped), until there is resetting of the shutter or gate obstacle detection system and new instruction sent to the shutter or gate motor to newly start and turn on for closing or opening the shutter or gate.

Resetting of the system is then required, and is facilitated by pressing the shutter or gate motor switch to be in a rest / neutral [0] position, whereby the main board micro-controller counts a short preset (system reset) time period. System resetting includes the main board micro-controller sending signals (with instructions) to both the main board first and second electrical relays, for converting both their (temporary) electrically open configurations back to their initial (default) electrically closed configurations. System resetting also includes reopening of the sensor module first reed switch (being magnetically communicable with the primary magnetic assembly, so as to be set for a next possible occurrence and cycle of obstacle detection. End of the preset (system reset) time period marks completion of the system reset. The shutter or gate motor is then set and ready to receive new instruction from the main board assembly, to turn on for closing or opening the shutter or gate.

For purposes of further understanding exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in the following illustrative description thereof, reference is made to the figures. Throughout the following description and accompanying drawings, same reference numbers refer to same system devices, components, elements, or features. It is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to particular details of construction or/and arrangement of exemplary system, devices, components, elements, or features, or to particular sequential ordering of exemplary actions, set forth in the following illustrative description. The invention is capable of having other exemplary embodiments, or/and of being practiced or carried out in various alternative ways.

System for detecting presence of an obstacle during closing of an electric (downward/upward) roller shutter shutter obstacle detection system 1

Referring now to the drawings, FIGs. 1 - 5 are schematic diagrams of an exemplary embodiment of the shutter obstacle detection system (components and relative locations thereof) as applied to an exemplary electric (downward/upward) roller shutter, highlighting sequential stages of downward closing (lowering) of the shutter, without presence of an obstacle (FIGs. 1 - 3), and with presence of an obstacle (FIGs. 1, 4, 5).

As shown in FIGs. 1 through 5, exemplary electric (downward/upward) roller shutter 100 includes a plurality of shutter slats (or panels) 102, which, in at least a partially open configuration of the shutter, are rolled up on a shutter roller 50 housed in a shutter roller housing 53. The shutter housing 53 is surrounded by a shutter frame 55, having a left side shutter frame 55-1 and a right side shutter frame 55-r. The left and right end portions of the shutter slats 102 are unrolled downward, and rolled upward, along the insides of a left side shutter slat rolling track 57-1 and a right side shutter slat rolling track 57-r, respectively.

Reversible rotational turning (revolving) of the shutter roller 50 is driven by a shutter motor 101. The shutter motor 101 is powered by a shutter power supply [PS_1] 112 and configured for imparting (driving) reversible downward unrolling and upward rolling motions to the shutter slats 102 along a vertical shutter pathway (trajectory) (indicated by the dashed line double headed arrow having reference number 65) extending between the leading bottom side of the bottommost slat of the shutter (herein, also shown and referred to as bottommost shutter slat 102bm) and a ground level of the shutter (herein, also shown and referred to as shutter ground level 60). A shutter motor switch 103, having a shutter down/close position, and a shutter up/open position, is used (pressed) for turning on (activating, starting), and turning off (deactivating, stopping), respectively, of the shutter motor 101, which, translates into facilitating and controlling the reversible downward unrolling and upward rolling motions to the shutter slats 102 along the vertical shutter pathway (trajectory) 65. The shutter motor switch 103 also has a shutter rest, neutral, or zero [0] position, corresponding to resting or no movement of the shutter motor 101, and thus, corresponding to resting or no movement of the shutter 100. In exemplary embodiments, the shutter motor rest, neutral, or zero [0] position is also configured for resetting of the shutter obstacle detection system.

Following is a brief listing of main components only of the herein disclosed shutter obstacle detection system. The brief listing is absent of associating or relating the shutter obstacle detection system main components to non-system components or structural features (e.g., shutter 100, shutter slats 102, shutter motor 101, shutter motor switch 103, shutter power supply [PS_1] 112, shutter frame 55, shutter slat rolling tracks 57-1 and 57-r, and shutter ground level 60) which are not included in, or part of, the herein disclosed shutter obstacle detection system, and without associating or relating the shutter obstacle detection system main components to particular (directional, orientational) locations or positions of system main components relative to each other, or relative to non-system components or structural features (as listed above).

In exemplary embodiments, the shutter obstacle detection system includes main components: (i) a main board assembly 104; (ii) two sensor modules 105, with each one being wirelessly communicable with the main board assembly 104; (iii) two primary magnetic assemblies 106, with each one being magnetically communicable with a respective sensor module 105; and (iv) either one secondary magnetic assembly 107, or two secondary magnetic assemblies 107, with each one also being being magnetically communicable with a respective sensor module 105.

Following is an illustrative description of the shutter obstacle detection system main components and, structural and functional (operational) features thereof. The following description includes associating or relating the shutter obstacle detection system main components to non-system components or structural features (e.g., shutter 100, shutter slats 102, shutter motor 101, shutter motor switch 103, shutter power supply [PS_1] 112, shutter frame 55, shutter slat rolling tracks 57-1 and 57-r, and shutter ground level 60) which are not included in, or part of, the herein disclosed shutter obstacle detection system. The following description also includes associating or relating the shutter obstacle detection system main components to particular (directional, orientational) locations or positions, and means (mechanisms) of (electrical or magnetic) communication of the system main components relative to each other, and relative to the non-system components or structural features.

The shutter main board assembly 104 is operably connectable, via the shutter motor switch 103, to the shutter power supply [PS_1] 112, and is also operably connectable to the shutter motor 101 (in FIGs. 1 - 5, such operable connections are indicated by the dotted lines extending between the indicated components). In exemplary embodiments, the shutter main board assembly 104 is housed inside the shutter roller housing 53, at a convenient and safe location (e.g., near the shutter motor 101) which does not interfere with space occupied by, or movement of, the rolled up shutters 102, the shutter roller 50, or the shutter motor 101.

A first sensor module 105 (also referred to as a left side shutter bottommost slat sensor module 105) is attachable to a left side end portion of the bottommost slat 102bm of the shutter 100. A second sensor module 105 (also referred to as a right side shutter bottommost slat sensor module 105) is attachable to a right side end portion of the bottommost shutter slat 102bm. When so attached to the left side and right side end portions of the bottommost shutter slat 102bm, each one of the (first) left side and (second) right side shutter bottommost slat sensor modules 105 is wirelessly communicable with the shutter main board assembly 104.

A first primary magnetic assembly 106 (also referred to as a left side shutter penultimate slat magnetic assembly 106) is attachable to a left side end portion of a penultimate slat 102pu of the shutter 100. A second primary magnetic assembly 106 (referred to as a right side shutter penultimate slat magnetic assembly 106) is attachable to a right side end portion of the penultimate shutter slat 102pu. When so attached to the left side and right side of the penultimate shutter slat 102pu, each one of the (first primary) left side and (second primary) right side shutter penultimate slat magnetic assemblies 106 is magnetically communicable with a respective one of the (first) left side and (second) right side shutter bottommost slat sensor modules 105.

A first secondary magnetic assembly 107 (also referred to as a left side shutter slat rolling track bottom magnetic assembly 107) is attachable to a bottom end portion 57-lbe of the left side shutter slat rolling track 57-1. Alternatively, or additionally, a second secondary magnetic assembly 107 (also referred to as a right side shutter slat rolling track bottom magnetic assembly 107) is attachable to a bottom end portion 57-rbe of the right side shutter slat rolling track 57-r. When so attached, the (first secondary) left side shutter slat rolling track bottom magnetic assembly) 107 is magnetically communicable with the (first) left side shutter bottommost slat sensor module 105. Alternatively, or additionally, when so attached, the (second secondary) right side shutter slat rolling track bottom magnetic assembly 107 is magnetically communicable with the (second) right side shutter bottommost slat sensor module 105.

In exemplary embodiments, each of the primary magnetic assemblies 106, and the secondary magnetic assemblies 107, consists of a magnet housed inside of a non-magnetic housing or encasing. In exemplary embodiments, such a non-magnetic housing or encasing is made of a material selected from the group consisting of non-metallic materials (e.g., hard or firm polymeric materials, hard or firm plastic materials, hard or firm ceramic materials, and combinations thereof); composite types of materials; and combinations thereof. In exemplary embodiments, the primary magnetic assemblies 106, and the secondary magnetic assemblies 107, are made of such a material, or combination of such materials, that withstands the same multi-closings and multi-openings, and year-round weather conditions, to which the shutter 100 itself is subjected to.

FIGs. 1 - 3 schematically show the exemplary embodiment of the shutter obstacle system components (104, 105, 106, 107), and relative locations thereof, as applied to the exemplary electric (downward/upward) roller shutter 100, highlighting sequential stages of downward closing (lowering) of the shutter 100, without presence of an obstacle.

FIG. 1 shows the shutter obstacle system components (104, 105, 106, 107), and relative locations thereof, during initial downward closing (lowering) of the shutter 100, highlighting the (first) left side or (second) right side shutter bottommost slat sensor module 105 not yet being sufficiently close to (e.g., within 2 cm from), and in magnetic communication, with either of the respective (first secondary) left side or (second secondary) right side shutter slat rolling track bottom magnetic assembly 107, and not yet being sufficiently close to (e.g., within 2 cm from), and in magnetic communication with, either of the respective (first primary) left side or (second primary) right side shutter penultimate slat magnetic assembly 106.

FIG. 2 shows the shutter obstacle system components (104, 105, 106, 107), and relative locations thereof, at near full or near complete closure of the shutter 100, highlighting the (first) left side and the (second) right side shutter bottommost slat sensor module 105 being sufficiently close to (e.g., within 2 cm from), and in magnetic communication with, the respective (first secondary) left side and (second secondary) right side shutter slat rolling track bottom magnetic assembly 107, before being sufficiently close to (e.g., within 2 cm from), and in magnetic communication with, either of the respective (first primary) left side or (second primary) right side shutter penultimate slat magnetic assembly 106.

FIG. 3 shows the shutter obstacle system components (104, 105, 106, 107), and relative locations thereof, at full or complete closure of the shutter 100.

During closing of the shutter 100, via downward unrolling motion of the shutter slats 102, if one of the (first) left side or (second) right side shutter bottommost slat sensor module 105 moves and becomes sufficiently close to (e.g., within 2 cm from), and magnetically communicates with, a respective one of the (first secondary) left side or (second secondary) right side shutter slat rolling track bottom magnetic assembly 107 before one of the (first) left side or (second) right side shutter bottommost slat sensor modules 105 moves and becomes sufficiently close to (e.g., within 2 cm from), and magnetically communicates with, a respective one of the (first primary) left side or (second primary) right side shutter penultimate slat magnetic assembly 106, then, the (first) left side or (second) right side shutter bottommost slat sensor module 105 sends a signal to the shutter main board assembly 104 indicative of no obstacle being present in or along the vertical shutter pathway (trajectory) 65, whereby, no further action is taken by the main board assembly 104 during closing of the shutter 100.

FIGs. 1, 4, and 5 schematically show the exemplary embodiment of the shutter obstacle system components (104, 105, 106, 107), and relative locations thereof, as applied to the exemplary electric (downward/upward) roller shutter 100, highlighting sequential stages of downward closing (lowering) of the shutter 100, with presence of an obstacle.

FIG. 1 is presented hereinabove.

FIG. 4 shows the shutter obstacle system components (104, 105, 106, 107), and relative locations thereof, during downward closing of the shutter 100, with an obstacle (for example, obstacle 70) being present in or along the vertical shutter pathway (trajectory) 65. Each of the (first) left side and (second) right side shutter bottommost slat sensor module 105 moves and becomes sufficiently close to (e.g., within 2 cm from), and in magnetic communication with, the respective (first primary) left side and the (second primary) right side shutter penultimate slat magnetic assembly 106 before the (first) left side or (second) right side shutter bottommost slat sensor module 105 moves and becomes sufficiently close to (e.g., within 2 cm from), and in magnetic communication with, a respective one of the (first secondary) left side or (second secondary) right side shutter slat rolling track bottom magnetic assembly 107. Accordingly, each of the (first) left side and the (second) right side shutter bottommost slat sensor module 105 sends a signal to the shutter main board assembly 104 indicative of an obstacle 70 being present in or along the vertical shutter pathway (trajectory) 65.

With reference to FIGs. 4 and 5, when the shutter obstacle detection system detects the presence of the obstacle 70, via actions of the shutter main board assembly 104 (and components thereof), the shutter motor 101 undergoes a programmed sequence of: (i) turning off and stopping (for a short preset time period or delay); (ii) again turning on and restarting (for a short preset time period or delay, or preset distance (in FIG. 5, indicated by letter (D) alongside the arrow and reference number 75) safely away from the obstacle 70, of reverse motion [partial reopening] of the shutter 100); and (iii) again turning off and stopping, and remaining turned off, until there is resetting of the shutter obstacle detection system, and new instruction to turn on and start for closing or opening the shutter 100. In exemplary embodiments, in preceding list of actions (i) through (iii), the preset time period or delay has a magnitude in a range of between one second (1 sec) and sixty seconds (60 sec). In exemplary embodiments, in actions (i) through (iii), the preset time period or delay has a magnitude of ten seconds (10 sec). In exemplary embodiments, in action (ii), the preset distance (D) has a magnitude in a range of between two centimeters (2 cm) and fifty centimeters (50 cm).

Resetting of the shutter obstacle detection system is facilitated by pressing the shutter motor switch 103 to its rest / neutral [0] position, whereby the main board micro -controller [MC_1] 110 counts a short preset (system reset) time period. In exemplary embodiments, the preset (system reset) time period has a magnitude in a range of between one second (1 sec) and sixty seconds (60 sec). In exemplary embodiments, the preset (system reset) time period has a magnitude of ten seconds (10 sec). System resetting includes the main board micro-controller [MC_1] 110 sending signals (with instructions) to both the main board first and second electrical relays 114 (114-1-dn, 114-2-up), for converting both their (temporary) electrically open configurations back to their initial (default) electrically closed configurations. System resetting also includes reopening of the sensor module first reed switch 117-1 (being magnetically communicable with the primary magnetic assembly 106, so as to be set for a next possible occurrence and cycle of obstacle detection. End of the preset (system reset) time period marks completion of the system reset. The shutter motor 101 is then set and ready to receive new instruction from the main board assembly 104, to turn on for closing or opening the shutter 100.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the shutter main board assembly (and components thereof) 104, in relation to other components and devices associated with operation of the shutter obstacle detection system. In FIG. 6, operable connections, operative connections, and communications (lines, links) are indicated by the dotted lines extending between the indicated components.

In exemplary embodiments, the shutter main board assembly 104 includes main components: (i) a main board micro-controller (microprocessor) [MC_1] 110, operably connectable to, and communicable with, the shutter motor switch 103; (ii) a main board transceiver [TX/RX] 111, operatively connected to, and in communication with, the main board micro -controller [MC_1] 110, and wirelessly communicable with the first and second sensor modules 105 (in FIG. 6, indicated by the wide arrow with reference number 130); and (iii) two main board electrical relays (electrical relay switches) 114 (a main board first electrical relay 114-1-dn, and a main board second electrical relay 114-2-up), operatively connected to, and in communication with, the main board micro -controller [MC_1] 110, and, operably connectable to the shutter motor 101. In exemplary embodiments, the main board assembly 104 is housed in a main board assembly housing 135.

In additional exemplary embodiments, the main board assembly 104 further includes optional components: (iv) an optional main board shutter direction sensor 113 (in FIG. 6, indicated by the dashed box), operatively connected to, and in communication with, the main board micro -controller [MC_1] 110; and (v) an optional main board alarm 140 (in FIG. 6, indicated by the dashed box), operatively connected to, and in communication with, the main board micro-controller [MC_1] 110. In additional exemplary embodiments, the main board transceiver [TX/RX] 111 is wirelessly communicable with one or more local or/and remote shutter status notification receiving devices 145, such as a locally or remotely located computer (and display thereof), a locally or remotely located computer-type device (and display thereof), or/and a locally or remotely located mobile phone (and display thereof). In exemplary embodiments, the wireless communication of the main board transceiver [TX/RX] 111 with the first and second sensor modules 105, is via one or more (short distance) wireless types of communication protocols, such as radio frequency (RF) based communication protocols (e.g., WiFi or/and Bluetooth wireless types of communication protocols). In exemplary embodiments, the wireless communication of the main board transceiver [TX/RX] 111 with one or more local or/and remote shutter status notification receiving devices 145, is via one or more (short distance) wireless types of communication protocols, such as radio frequency (RF) based communication protocols (e.g., WiFi or/and Bluetooth wireless types of communication protocols), or/and via one or more (long distance) wireless types of communication protocols.

Main board micro-controller (microprocessor) [MC 11 110

In exemplary embodiments, the main board micro -controller (microprocessor) [MC_1] 110 is configured for receiving signals (with information) from other components of the shutter main board assembly 104, and from the shutter motor switch 103; processing such signals and information; and sending signals (with information and instructions) to other components of the shutter main board assembly 104, and to the shutter motor switch 103. Main board transceiver [TX/RX] 111

In exemplary embodiments, the main board transceiver [TX/RX] 111 is configured for receiving signals (with information) from, and sending signals (with information) to, the shutter bottommost slat sensor module transceiver [TX/RX] 115, and the main board micro-controller [MC_1] 110. In exemplary embodiments, the main board transceiver [TX/RX] 111 is also configured for receiving signals (with information) from, and sending signals (with information) to, one or more local or/and remote shutter status notification receiving devices 145.

Main board electrical relays (electrical relay switches) 114 (114-1-dn, 114-2-up)

Via implementation of the shutter obstacle detection system, each of the main board first electrical relay 114-1-dn and the main board second electrical relay 114-2-up is operatively connected to the shutter motor 101, for facilitating shutter downward unrolling motion, and shutter upward rolling motion, respectively, via operation of the main board micro-controller [MC_1] 110 and the shutter motor 101, as follows.

In exemplary embodiments of the shutter main board assembly 104, the main board first electrical relay 114-1-dn has a preset, and reset, default electrically closed configuration, for facilitating shutter downward unrolling motion, via operation of the main board micro-controller [MC_1] 110 and the shutter motor 101. Specifically, in exemplary embodiments, at relevant instances of operation of the shutter obstacle detection system, the main board micro -controller [MC_1] 110 sends a signal (with instructions) to the main board first electrical relay 114-1-dn (having a preset, and reset, default electrically closed configuration, for facilitating shutter downward unrolling motion), which, in turn, sends a signal to the shutter motor 101, for turning on (starting, or restarting) the shutter motor 101, so as to start downward unrolling motion and closing of the shutter 100. The main board first electrical relay 114-1-dn (having the electrically closed configuration for facilitating shutter downward unrolling motion) remains in the electrically closed configuration, until or unless the main board micro-controller [MC_1] 110 instructs otherwise.

For example, in the instance the main board micro -controller [MC_1] 110 instructs the main board first electrical relay 114-1-dn to change from the default electrically closed configuration to a (temporary) electrically open configuration, then, upon resetting of the shutter obstacle detection system (and components thereof), via default, the main board micro-controller [MC_1] 110 instructs the main board first electrical relay 114-1-dn to change back to the electrically closed configuration. Such preset, and reset, default electrically closed configuration of the main board first electrical relay 114-1-dn facilitates electrical continuity between the main board micro -controller [MC_1] 110 and the main board first electrical relay 114-1-dn.

Similarly, in exemplary embodiments, the main board second electrical relay 114-2-up has a preset, and reset, default electrically closed configuration, for facilitating shutter upward rolling motion, via operation of the main board micro-controller [MC_1] 110 and the shutter motor 101. Specifically, in exemplary embodiments, at relevant instances of operation of the shutter obstacle detection system, the main board micro -controller [MC_1] 110 sends a signal (with instructions) to the main board second electrical relay 114-2-up (having a preset, and reset, default electrically closed configuration, for facilitating shutter upward rolling motion), which, in turn, sends a signal to the shutter motor 101, for turning on (starting, or restarting) the shutter motor 101, so as to start upward rolling motion and opening of the shutter 100. The main board second electrical relay 114-2-up (having the electrically closed configuration for facilitating shutter upward rolling motion) remains in the electrically closed configuration, until or unless the main board micro-controller [MC_1] 110 instructs otherwise.

For example, in the instance the main board micro -controller [MC_1] 110 instructs the main board second electrical relay 114-2-up to change from the default electrically closed configuration to a (temporary) electrically open configuration, then, upon resetting of the shutter obstacle detection system (and components thereof), via default, the main board micro-controller [MC_1] 110 instructs the main board second electrical relay 114-2-up to change back to the electrically closed configuration. Such preset, and reset, default electrically closed configuration of the main board second electrical relay 114-2-up facilitates electrical continuity between the main board micro-controller [MC_1] 110 and the main board second electrical relay 114-2-up.

In the shutter main board assembly 104, the main board first electrical relay 114-1-dn, and the main board second electrical relay 114-2-up, are particularly configured with the above described preset, and reset, default electrically closed configuration, that facilitates electrical continuity between the main board micro-controller [MC_1] 110 and the main board first and second electrical relays 114-1-dn and 114-2-up, respectively. Such configuration of the main board first and second electrical relays 114-1-dn and 114-2-up, respectively, enables continued, uninterrupted, functioning (operation) of the shutter 100, in scenarios involving malfunction, or stopped function, of one or more components of the shutter obstacle detection system.

For example, in scenarios involving malfunction, or stopped function, of either one or both of the shutter bottommost slat sensor modules 105, for example, as a result of malfunction, or stopped function, of one or more components thereof. For example, the shutter bottommost slat sensor module 105 may malfunction, or stop functioning, as a result of insufficient power (e.g., low or no battery power) provided by the sensor module power supply [PS_2] 118. Additionally, for example, as a result of malfunction, or stopped function, of either one or both of the primary magnetic assemblies 106, or, of either one or both of the secondary magnetic assemblies 107. Additionally, for example, as a result of malfunction, or stopped function, of the main board transceiver [TX/RX] 111 in the shutter main board assembly 104. In such exemplary scenarios, both of the main board first and second electrical relays 114-1-dn and 114-2-up, respectively, will be in the preset, or reset, default electrically closed configuration, thereby, maintaining a closed electrical circuit with the main board micro-controller [MC_1] 110, for facilitating, via the shutter motor 101, shutter downward unrolling motion, or shutter upward rolling motion, of the shutter 100.

Optional main board shutter direction sensor 113

In exemplary embodiments, optionally, the shutter main board assembly 104 also includes a main board shutter direction sensor 113, operatively connected to, and in communication with, the main board micro-controller [MC_1] 110. In exemplary embodiments, the main board shutter direction sensor 113, continuously, identifies (senses, detects) the (downward closing, or upward opening) direction of the (downward unrolling, or upward rolling) motion, of the shutter 100 (and shutter slats 102 thereof), and in a continuous manner, sends signals with such identified shutter direction of motion to the main board micro-controller [MC_1] 110. In turn, the main board micro-controller [MC_1] 110 reads, interprets, and uses, such information as part of determining, and then instructing, whether to facilitate downward closing, or upward opening, of the shutter 100.

Optional inclusion of the main board shutter direction sensor 113, and operation thereof, serve as a type of validation or confirmation mechanism used by the main board micro-controller [MC_1] 110, for validating or confirming, in a continuous manner, the (downward closing, or upward opening) direction of the (downward unrolling, or upward rolling) motion, of the shutter 100 (and shutter slats 102 thereof). In exemplary embodiments, the main board micro-controller [MC_1] 110 uses such validation or confirmation as part of determining, and then instructing, whether to facilitate downward closing, or upward opening, of the shutter 100, for example, via sending signals (with instructions) to the shutter motor 101, for driving downward closing, or upward opening, of the shutter 100.

Optional main board alarm 140

In exemplary embodiments, optionally, the shutter main board assembly 104 also includes a main board alarm 140, operatively connected to, and in communication with, the main board micro-controller [MC_1] 110, for example, as shown in FIG. 6. Alternatively, in exemplary embodiments, optionally, a main board alarm 140 is (externally) operatively connected to the shutter main board assembly 104, and is in communication with the main board micro-controller [MC_1] 110 therein, for example, as shown in FIGs. 9 - 15, of photographs of an exemplary (actual) prototype shutter obstacle detection system, as applied to an exemplary (actual) electric (downward/upward) roller shutter 100.

In such exemplary embodiments, for example, for the scenario (as shown in FIGs. 4 and 5) of the shutter obstacle detection system detecting the presence of an obstacle 70 in or along the shutter vertical pathway (trajectory) 65 during closing of the shutter 100, the main board alarm 140 becomes activated for generating an alarm or warning signal indicating such obstacle detection. In exemplary embodiments, the alarm or warning signal is in a form of a visual signal, or/and in a form of an audio signal. In exemplary embodiments, the visual signal is in a form of a flashing red light, or/and a text message. In exemplary embodiments, the audio signal is in a form of an alarm type sound, for example, a loud beeping sound. In exemplary embodiments, via instruction of the main board micro-controller [MC_1] 110, the alarm or warning signal(s) is/are wirelessly sent, via the main board transceiver [TX/RX] 111, to one or more local or/and remote shutter status notification receiving devices 145, such as a locally or remotely located computer (and display thereof), a locally or remotely located computer-type device (and display thereof), or/and a locally or remotely located mobile phone (and display thereof).

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the shutter bottom slat sensor module (and components thereof) 105, in relation to other components of the shutter obstacle detection system. Shutter bottom slat sensor module 105 corresponds to each one of the (first) left side and the (second) right side shutter bottommost slat sensor modules 105, illustratively described above and shown in FIGs. 1 - 5. In FIG. 7, operable connections, operative connections, and communications (lines, links) are indicated by the dotted lines extending between the indicated components.

In exemplary embodiments, each of the two shutter bottommost slat sensor modules 105 includes main components: (i) a sensor module micro-controller (microprocessor) [MC_2] 116; (ii) a sensor module transceiver [TX/RX] 115, operatively connected to, and in communication with, the sensor module micro-controller [MC_2] 116, and wirelessly communicable with the main board transceiver [TX/RX] 111 (in FIG. 7, indicated by the wide arrow with reference number 130); (iii) two sensor module reed switches (electrical switches operating via a magnetic field) 117 (a sensor module first reed switch 117-1, and a sensor module second reed switch 117-2), with each one operatively connected to, and in communication with, the sensor module micro -controller [MC_2] 116, and with the sensor module first reed switch 117-1 also being magnetically communicable with a respective primary magnetic assembly 106, and with the sensor module second reed switch 117-2 also being magnetically communicable with a respective secondary magnetic assembly 107; and (iv) a sensor module power supply [PS_2] 118, operatively connected to sensor module components (i) - (iii). In exemplary embodiments, each sensor module 105 is housed in a sensor module housing 137.

In exemplary embodiments, the sensor module micro-controller (microprocessor) [MC_2] 116 is configured for receiving signals (with information) from other components of the shutter bottommost slat sensor module 105; processing such signals and information; and sending signals (with information and instructions) to other components of the shutter bottommost slat sensor module 105. In exemplary embodiments, the sensor module transceiver [TX/RX] 115 is configured for receiving signals (with information) from, and sending signals (with information) to, the main board transceiver [TX/RX] 111, and the sensor module micro-controller [MC_2] 116. In exemplary embodiments, the sensor module power supply [PS_2] 118 is a compact low voltage power supply, such as a low voltage battery, for example, having a voltage rating in a range of between 1.5 volts (1.5 V) and 10 volts (10 V), sufficient to power the shutter bottom slat sensor module 105 (and components thereof) during operation of the shutter obstacle detection system.

FIG. 8 is a schematic flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of sequential actions (processes) taking place during operation of the shutter obstacle detection system as applied to the exemplary electric (downward/upward) roller shutter 100. The following illustrative description, in addition to relating to the sequential actions (processes) shown in FIG. 8, also relates to the exemplary embodiment of the shutter main board assembly (and components thereof) 104 (as shown in FIG. 6), and to the exemplary embodiment of the shutter bottom slat sensor module (and components thereof) 105 (as shown in FIG. 7).

Actions 1

> shutter motor switch (103) in rest / neutral [0] position.

> shutter motor switch (103) pressed, to turn on shutter motor (101), for closing (lowering) shutter (100).

> main board assembly (104) set for possible obstacle detection.

Initially, a user presses the shutter motor switch 103 (initially, in a rest or neutral [0] position) for closing the shutter or gate. This action sets (activates) the main board assembly (and components thereof) for possible obstacle detection. The [shutter main board assembly 104] main board micro-controller [MC_1] 110 sends a signal (with instructions) to the [shutter main board assembly 104] main board first electrical relay 114-1-dn (having an electrically closed configuration, for facilitating shutter downward unrolling motion), which, in turn, sends a signal to the shutter motor 101, for turning on (starting) the shutter motor 101, so as to start closing of the shutter 100.

> no obstacle detected during closing (lowering) of shutter (100)

Corresponds to above illustrative description with reference to FIGs. 1 - 3, showing the exemplary embodiment of the shutter obstacle system components (104, 105, 106, 107), and relative locations thereof, as applied to the exemplary electric (downward/upward) roller shutter 100, highlighting sequential stages of downward closing (lowering) of the shutter 100, without presence of an obstacle.

Actions 2a

> shutter motor (101) remains on during closing (lowering) of shutter (100).

> at full closure (lowering) of shutter (100), sensor module second reed switch (117-2) closes, before sensor module first reed switch (117-1) closes. Following initial turning on of the shutter motor 101, for the scenario of no obstacle being present in or along the vertical pathway (trajectory) 65 of the closing shutter 100, the shutter motor 101 remains turned on during the remainder of fully or completely closing the shutter 100. At near full or near complete closure of the shutter 100, the [shutter bottommost slat sensor module 105] sensor module second reed switch 117-2 moves and becomes sufficiently close to, and magnetically communicates with, the secondary magnetic assembly (shutter slat rolling track bottom magnetic assembly) 107 {thereby, facilitating closing of the electrical circuit in the sensor module second reed switch], before the [shutter bottommost slat sensor module 105] sensor module first reed switch 117-1 moves and becomes sufficiently close to, and magnetically communicates with, the primary magnetic assembly (shutter penultimate slat magnetic assembly) 106 {thereby, leaving the sensor module first reed switch with its open electrical circuit}.

The closed electrical circuit of the [shutter bottommost slat sensor module 105] sensor module second reed switch 117-2 is detected by the [shutter bottommost slat sensor module 105] sensor module micro-controller [MC_2] 116, which then sends a signal (with instructions) to the [shutter bottommost slat sensor module 105] sensor module transceiver [TX/RX] 115. The [shutter bottommost slat sensor module 105] sensor module transceiver [TX/RX] 115 then sends a signal to, via wireless communication with, the [shutter main board assembly 104] main board transceiver [TX/RX] 111, which, in turn, sends a signal to the [shutter main board assembly 104] main board micro-controller [MC_1] 110. The [shutter main board assembly 104] main board micro-controller [MC_1] 110 interprets this signal as corresponding to a condition of no obstacle being present in or along the vertical pathway (trajectory) 65 of the closing shutter 100, whereby, no further action needs to be taken by the [shutter main board assembly 104] main board micro-controller [MC_1] 110 during closing of the shutter 100. Accordingly, the [shutter main board assembly 104] main board first electrical relay 114-1-dn (having the electrically closed configuration for facilitating shutter downward unrolling motion) remains in the electrically closed configuration, thereby leaving the shutter motor 101 to remain on during the remainder of fully or completely closing the shutter 100.

> obstacle 70 detected during closing (lowering) of shutter (100)

Corresponds to above illustrative description with reference to FIGs. 1, 4, and 5, showing the exemplary embodiment of the shutter obstacle system components (104, 105, 106, 107), and relative locations thereof, as applied to the exemplary electric (downward/upward) roller shutter 100, highlighting sequential stages of downward closing (lowering) of the shutter 100, with presence of an obstacle.

Actions 2

> sensor module first reed switch (117-1) closes.

> sensor module (105) informs main board assembly (104) of obstacle detection.

Following initial turning on of the shutter motor 101 for closing the shutter 100 (as shown in FIG. 1), for the scenario of an obstacle (for example, obstacle 70) being present in or along the vertical pathway (trajectory) 65 of the closing shutter 100 (as shown in FIGs. 4 and 5), via actions of the main board assembly 104 (and components thereof), the shutter motor 101 undergoes a programmed sequence of: (i) turning off and stopping (for a short preset time period or delay); (ii) again turning on and restarting (for a short preset time period or delay, or preset distance (D) safely away from the obstacle 70, of reverse motion [partial reopening] of the shutter 100); and (iii) again turning off and stopping, and remaining turned off, until there is resetting of the system, followed by new instruction to turn on and start for closing or opening the shutter 100.

Nearly instantly after the (in progress) closing shutter (shutter bottommost slat 102bm) contacts (bumps into) the obstacle 70, the [shutter bottommost slat sensor module 105] sensor module first reed switch 117-1 moves and becomes sufficiently close to, and magnetically communicates with, the primary magnetic assembly (shutter penultimate slat magnetic assembly) 106 {thereby, facilitating closing of the electrical circuit in the sensor module first reed switch 117-1 ], before the [shutter bottommost slat sensor module 105] sensor module second reed switch 117-2 moves and becomes sufficiently close to, and magnetically communicates with, the secondary magnetic assembly (shutter slat rolling track bottom magnetic assembly) 107 sensor module second reed switch 117-2 {thereby, leaving the sensor module second reed switch 117-2 with its open electrical circuit}.

The closed electrical circuit of the [shutter bottommost slat sensor module 105] sensor module first reed switch 117-1 is detected by the [shutter bottommost slat sensor module 105] sensor module micro-controller [MC_2] 116, which then sends a signal (with instructions) to the [shutter bottommost slat sensor module 105] sensor module transceiver [TX/RX] 115. The [shutter bottommost slat sensor module 105] sensor module transceiver [TX/RX] 115 then sends a signal to, via wireless communication with, the [shutter main board assembly 104] main board transceiver [TX/RX] 111, which, in turn, sends a signal to the [shutter main board assembly 104] main board micro-controller [MC_1] 110. The [shutter main board assembly 104] main board micro-controller [MC_1] 110 interprets this signal as corresponding to a condition of an obstacle 70 being present in or along the vertical pathway (trajectory) 65 of the closing shutter 100, whereby, further action needs to be taken by the [shutter main board assembly 104] main board micro-controller [MC_1] 110 during closing of the shutter 100.

In exemplary embodiments, optionally, at the instant the [shutter main board assembly 104] main board micro-controller [MC_1] 110 determines the condition of an obstacle 70 being present in or along the vertical pathway (trajectory) 65 of the closing shutter 100, the [shutter main board assembly 104] main board alarm 140 becomes activated for generating an alarm or warning signal indicating such obstacle detection. In exemplary embodiments, the alarm or warning signal is a visual signal (e.g., in a form of a flashing red light, or/and a text message), or/and an audio signal (e.g., in a form of an alarm type sound, such as a loud beeping sound). In exemplary embodiments, as illustratively described above, with reference to FIG. 6, via instruction of the [shutter main board assembly 104] main board micro-controller [MC_1] 110, the alarm or warning signal(s) is/are wirelessly sent, via the [shutter main board assembly 104] main board transceiver [TX/RX] 111, to one or more local or/and remote shutter status notification receiving devices 145, such as a locally or remotely located computer (and display thereof), a locally or remotely located computer-type device (and display thereof), or/and a locally or remotely located mobile phone (and display thereof). Actions 3

> main board assembly (104) instructs shutter motor (101) to turn off for short time delay.

> shutter motor (101) again turns on for short time, to raise shutter bottommost slat (102bm) a distance (D).

> shutter motor (101) again turns off and stops at end of time delay (with shutter (100) rising distance (D)).

Accordingly, the [shutter main board assembly 104] main board micro-controller [MC_1] 110 sends a signal (with instructions) to the [shutter main board assembly 104] main board first electrical relay 114-1-dn, for converting its initial (default) electrically closed configuration to a (temporary) electrically open configuration, which, in turn, facilitates temporarily turning off and stopping of the shutter motor 101 (for a short preset time period or delay), thereby, temporarily stopping (interrupting) the (in progress) shutter downward unrolling motion.

At the end of the preset time period or delay, the [shutter main board assembly 104] main board micro-controller [MC_1] 110 sends a signal (with instructions) to the [shutter main board assembly 104] main board second electrical relay 114-2-up (in its initial (default) electrically closed configuration, so as to so as to actuate the [shutter main board assembly 104] main board second electrical relay 114-2-up (for facilitating shutter upward rolling motion), which sends a signal to the shutter motor 101, for again turning on and restarting the shutter motor 101 (for a short preset time period or delay, or preset distance (D) safely above the obstacle 70, of reverse motion [partial reopening] of the shutter 100).

At the end of the preset time period or delay of reverse motion [partial reopening] of the shutter 100 (with the shutter bottommost slat 102bm), the shutter 100 (with the shutter bottommost slat 102bm) has risen the preset distance (D), safely away from the obstacle 70. The [shutter main board assembly 104] main board micro-controller [MC_1] 110 sends a signal (with instructions) to the [shutter main board assembly 104] main board second electrical relay 114-2-up for converting its initial (default) electrically closed configuration to an electrically open configuration, for again turning off and stopping the shutter motor 101. At this time, the obstacle 70 may be safely removed from the shutter vertical pathway (trajectory) 65.

Actions 4 and 5

> system reset required.

> shutter motor switch (103) pressed to reset the system.

> passage of short system reset time period.

> main board assembly relays (114-1-dn, 114-2-up) reclosed.

> sensor module reed switches (117-1, 117-2) reopened.

Resetting of the shutter obstacle detection system is facilitated by pressing the shutter motor switch 103 to its rest / neutral [0] position, whereby the [shutter main board assembly 104] main board micro -controller [MC_1] 110 counts a short preset (system reset) time period. In exemplary embodiments, the preset (system reset) time period has a magnitude in a range of between one second (1 sec) and sixty seconds (60 sec), for example, ten seconds (10 sec). System resetting includes the [shutter main board assembly 104] main board micro-controller [MC_1] 110 sending signals (with instructions) to both the [shutter main board assembly 104] main board first electrical relay 114-1-dn and main board second electrical relay 114-2-up, for converting both their (temporary) electrically open configurations back to their initial (default) electrically closed configurations. System resetting also includes reopening of the [shutter bottommost slat sensor module 105] sensor module first reed switch 117-1 (being magnetically communicable with the [shutter penultimate slat 102pu] primary magnetic assembly 106, so as to be set for a next possible occurrence and cycle of obstacle detection. Actions 6

> at end of system reset time period, system reset complete.

End of the preset (system reset) time period marks completion of the system reset. Actions 7

> after system reset, shutter motor (101) is set to receive new instruction from main board assembly (104), to turn on for closing (lowering) or opening (raising) shutter (100).

After resetting of the system, the shutter motor 101 is set and ready for receiving new instruction from the main board assembly 104, to turn on for driving either downward unrolling of the shutter slats 102 and closing (lowering) of the shutter 100, or upward rolling of the shutter slats 102 and opening (raising) of the shutter 100.

Exemplary (actual) prototype of the shutter obstacle detection system, and operation thereof

The following drawings are of photographs showing various views of an exemplary (actual) prototype shutter obstacle detection system, and operation thereof, as applied to an (actual) exemplary electric (downward/upward) roller shutter. For purposes of preserving clarity and consistency, in the drawings and in the following illustrative description, components and structural features of the prototype shutter obstacle detection system, as well as components and features associated with the exemplary (actual) shutter, are assigned 'identically' the same reference symbols (numbers, letters) as the respectively corresponding components and structural features of the exemplary shutter obstacle detection system, and of the exemplary electric (downward/upward) roller shutter 100, illustratively described hereinabove. The exemplary prototype shutter obstacle detection system (and components thereof) shown in FIGs. 9 - 17 has all the same structural and functional (operational) features, characteristics, and properties as illustratively described above for the exemplary shutter obstacle detection system (and components thereof) shown in FIGs. 1 - 8.

FIGs. 9 - 14 are photographs showing an exemplary (actual) prototype shutter obstacle detection system components (104, 105, 106, 107), and relative locations thereof, as applied to an exemplary (actual) electric (downward/upward) roller shutter, highlighting sequential stages of downward closing (lowering) of the shutter, without presence of an obstacle (FIGs. 9 - 11), and with presence of an obstacle (e.g., a chair) (FIGs. 9, 12, 13, 14). FIGs. 9, 10, and 11, are analogous to FIGs. 1, 2, and 3, respectively. FIGs. 12 or 13, and 14, are analogous to FIGs. 4 and 5, respectively. FIG. 15 is a photograph showing a close-up view of the shutter main board assembly 104 (with an optional alarm device 140), of the exemplary prototype shutter obstacle detection system (of FIGs. 9 - 14), relative to the shutter motor switch 103.

FIGs. 16 and 17 are photographs showing close-up views of the shutter bottommost slat sensor module 105, the shutter penultimate (next-to-bottom) slat magnetic assembly 106, and the shutter slat rolling track bottom magnetic assembly 107, relative to each other during closing (lowering) of the shutter 100 without presence of an obstacle, at near full closure of the shutter (FIG. 16), and at full closure of the shutter (FIG. 17).

System for detecting presence of an obstacle during closing of an electric (rightward/leftward) sliding gate gate obstacle detection system 1

The exemplary gate obstacle detection system (and components thereof) as presented in FIGs. 18 - 25 has all the same structural and functional (operational) features, characteristics, and properties as illustratively described above for the exemplary shutter obstacle detection system (and components thereof) presented in FIGs. 1 - 8. Devices, modules, assemblies, components, mechanisms, and their structural and functional (operational) aspects and features of the shutter obstacle detection system are equally applicable, or very similarly applicable, in analogous ways, to those of the gate obstacle detection system. Some differences thereof are present due to the particular physical, structural, geometrical (positional, orientational), and mechanical differences which exist between electric (downward/upward) roller shutters and electric (rightward/leftward) sliding gates.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGs. 18 - 22 are schematic diagrams of an exemplary embodiment of the gate obstacle detection system (components and relative locations thereof) as applied to an exemplary electric (rightward/leftward) sliding gate, highlighting sequential stages of rightward sliding and closing of the gate, without presence of an obstacle (FIGs. 18 - 20), and with presence of an obstacle (FIGs. 18, 21, 22).

Shown in FIGs. 18 through 22 is an exemplary regular, or cantilever (suspended), (single gate) type of electric (rightward/leftward) sliding gate 200 that includes a plurality of interconnected vertical bars (or struts) 202, with a rightmost side vertical end bar (strut) 202rm. Exemplary gate 200 has a single horizontally (left-to-right) extending gate fixed track 220, along which (an exemplary set of two) gate bottom mounted wheels 225 move and slide the gate 200 rightward for closing the gate 200, and, move and slide the gate 200 leftward for opening the gate 200. For exemplary gate 200 being a regular type of electric (rightward/leftward) sliding gate, gate fixed track 220 may be located in the ground 230 (in FIGs. 18 - 22, generally indicated by the double headed arrow), or may be the ground 230 itself. For exemplary gate 200 being a cantilever (suspended) type of electric (rightward/leftward) sliding gate, gate fixed track 220 is suspended above the ground 230.

Reversible rightward and leftward sliding motions of the gate 200 are driven by a gate motor 201. The gate motor 201 is powered by a gate power supply [PS_5] 212 and configured for imparting (driving) reversible rightward and leftward sliding motions to the gate 200 along a horizontal pathway (trajectory) (in FIGs. 18 - 22, indicated by the dashed line double headed arrow having reference number 235) extending between a leading right end side of a rightmost end vertical bar (strut) 202rm of the gate 200 and a gate right side closing boundary (in FIGs. 18 - 22, indicated by the dashed line filled rectangle having reference number 240). The gate right side closing boundary 240 corresponds to a (typically) substantially permanently fixed or stationary boundary (border or limit) at and upon which the leading right end side of the rightmost end vertical bar (strut) 202rm contacts, at the right end side of the horizontally extending gate fixed track 220, at full or complete closure of the gate 200. For example, the gate right side closing boundary 240 may be a permanently fixed or stationary post in the ground 230. Alternatively, for example, the gate right side closing boundary 240 may be a portion of a wall of a building (such as a portion of a wall at the entrance/exit of an indoor parking lot or garage).

A gate motor switch 203, having a gate right/close position, and a gate left/open position, is used (pressed) for turning on (activating, starting), and turning off (deactivating, stopping), respectively, of the gate motor 201, which, translates into facilitating and controlling the reversible rightward and leftward sliding motions to the gate 200 along the horizontal pathway (trajectory) 235. The gate motor switch 203 also has a gate rest, neutral, or zero [0] position, corresponding to resting or no movement of the gate motor 201, and thus, corresponding to resting or no movement of the gate 200. In exemplary embodiments, the gate motor rest, neutral, or zero [0] position is also configured for resetting of the gate obstacle detection system.

Following is a brief listing of main components only of the herein disclosed gate obstacle detection system. The brief listing is absent of associating or relating the gate obstacle detection system main components to non-system components or structural features (e.g., gate 200, gate bars (struts) 202, gate motor 201, gate motor switch 203, gate power supply [PS_5] 212, gate fixed track 220, ground 230, and gate right side closing boundary 240) which are not included in, or part of, the herein disclosed gate obstacle detection system, and without associating or relating the gate obstacle detection system main components to particular (directional, orientational) locations or positions of system main components relative to each other, or relative to non-system components or structural features (as listed above).

In exemplary embodiments, the gate obstacle detection system includes main components: (i) a main board assembly 204; (ii) two sensor modules 205, with each one being wirelessly communicable with the main board assembly 204; (iii) two primary magnetic assemblies 206, with each one being magnetically communicable with a respective sensor module 205; and (iv) either one secondary magnetic assembly 207, or two secondary magnetic assemblies 207, with each one also being being magnetically communicable with a respective sensor module 205. In exemplary embodiments, the gate obstacle detection system further includes an additional main component being: (v) a gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement 250, configured for fixedly holding the two sensor modules 205.

Following is an illustrative description of the gate obstacle detection system main components and, structural and functional (operational) features thereof. The following description includes associating or relating the gate obstacle detection system main components to non-system components or structural features (e.g., gate 200, gate bars (struts)

202, gate motor 201, gate motor switch 203, gate power supply [PS_5] 212, gate fixed track 220, ground 230, and gate right side closing boundary 240) which are not included in, or part of, the herein disclosed gate obstacle detection system. The following description also includes associating or relating the gate obstacle detection system main components to particular (directional, orientational) locations or positions, and means (mechanisms) of (electrical or magnetic) communication of the system main components relative to each other, and relative to the non-system components or structural features.

The gate main board assembly 204 is operably connectable, via the gate motor switch

203, to the gate power supply [PS_5] 212, and is also operably connectable to the gate motor 201 (in FIGs. 18 - 22, such operable connections are indicated by the dotted lines extending between the indicated components). In exemplary embodiments, the gate main board assembly 204 is operably attachable (connectable) to the top horizontally extending bar 255 of the gate 200. Alternatively, in exemplary embodiments, the gate main board assembly 204 is operably attachable (connectable) to one of the vertical bars or struts 202, at a convenient and safe location (e.g., near the gate motor 201) which does not interfere with the reversible rightward and leftward sliding motions of the gate 200 (or gate bars (struts) 202 thereof). The gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement 250 is moveably or flexibly attachable (in a spring-like manner) to the gate rightmost side vertical end bar or strut 202rm, and configured for fixedly holding the two sensor modules 205.

In exemplary embodiments, the gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement 250 has a configuration (shape and size) being the same as, or similar to, the configuration (shape and size) of the gate rightmost side vertical end bar or strut 202rm, which enables the gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement 250 to be moveably or flexibly attached (in a spring-like manner) to the gate rightmost side vertical end bar or strut 202rm. In exemplary embodiments, the geometrical shape of the gate rightmost side vertical end bar sensor holding supplement 250 is the same as, or similar to, the (rectangular or rectangular-like) geometrical shape of the gate rightmost side vertical end bar or strut 202rm. In exemplary embodiments, the size dimensions (height, length, width or depth) of the gate rightmost side vertical end bar sensor holding supplement 250 are the same as, or similar to, the size dimensions (height, length, width or depth) of the gate rightmost side vertical end bar or strut 202rm.

In exemplary embodiments, the gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement 250 is made of a material selected from the group consisting of metallic materials (e.g., cast iron, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, cobalt, titanium, and, alloys and combinations thereof); non-metallic materials (e.g., hard or firm polymeric materials, hard or firm plastic materials, hard or firm ceramic materials, and combinations thereof); composite types of materials; and combinations thereof. In exemplary embodiments, the gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement 250 is made of a material that withstands the same year-round weather conditions to which the gate 200 itself is subjected to.

In exemplary embodiments, the gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement 250 is moveably or flexibly attachable (in a spring-like manner) to the gate rightmost side vertical end bar or strut 202rm, via at least one (spring-like) elastic connecting member. In exemplary embodiments, the gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement 250 is moveably or flexibly attachable (in a spring-like manner) to the gate rightmost side vertical end bar or strut 202rm, via two (spring-like) elastic connecting members, for example, a first (spring-like) elastic connecting member 260-t, and a second (spring-like) elastic connecting member 260-b, as shown in FIGs. 18 - 22. In exemplary embodiments, the first (spring-like) elastic connecting member 260-t is configured for moveably or flexibly attaching (in a spring-like manner) a top portion of the gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement 250 to a top portion of the gate rightmost side vertical end bar or strut 202rm. In exemplary embodiments, the second (spring-like) elastic connecting member 260-b is configured for moveably or flexibly attaching (in a spring-like manner) a bottom portion of the gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement 250 to a bottom portion of the gate rightmost side vertical end bar or strut 202rm.

In exemplary embodiments, each (spring-like) elastic connecting member (260-t, 260-b) is made or constructed from (spring-like) elastic, or elastic providing (spring-like), connecting assemblies or elements, such as spring -mounted screws, spring-mounted nails, spring-mounted bolts, spring -mounted bars or rods, and similar types of connecting assemblies or elements. Such (spring-like) elastic, or elastic providing (spring-like), connecting assemblies or elements are well suitable for facilitating the moveable or (springlike) elastic attachment of the gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement 250 to the gate rightmost side vertical end bar or strut 202rm.

In exemplary embodiments, the gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement 250 is moveably or flexibly attachable (in a spring-like manner) to the gate rightmost side vertical end bar or strut 202rm, via the first and second (spring-like) elastic connecting members 260-t and 260-b, in a manner, such that a (relatively small) reversibly variable horizontal distance spans in between the right side of the gate rightmost side vertical end bar or strut 202rm and the left side of the gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement 250. In FIGs. 18 and 19, this reversibly variable horizontal distance is indicated as dO, and corresponds to a gate initial (or rest position) distance spanning in between the right side of the gate rightmost side vertical end bar or strut 202rm and the left side of the gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement 250, for the gate 200 being in an open or partly open position (e.g., FIG. 18), or in a nearly closed position (e.g., FIG. 19), but, not in a fully or completely closed position (e.g., FIG. 20). For the gate 200 being in a fully or completely closed position, the reversible variable horizontal distance decreases (in accordance with spring-like compression of the (spring-like) elastic connecting members (260-t, 260-b)), to a gate closed distance dl, as shown in FIG. 20. In exemplary embodiments, the reversibly variable horizontal distance dO has a reversibly variable magnitude in a range of between one centimeter (1 cm) and fifty centimeters (50 cm). Actual magnitude of the reversibly variable horizontal distance dO depends upon the actual instantaneous status and position of the gate 200, in particular, for when the gate 200 is in an open, partly open, or nearly closed, position (for example, as shown in FIGs. 18, 19, 20), or for when the gate is in the process of closing in the presence of an obstacle located in or along the horizontal gate pathway 235 (for example, as shown in FIG. 21). A first sensor module 205 (also referred to as a top portion gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module 205) is fixedly attachable to a top portion of the gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement 250. A second sensor module 205 (also referred to as a bottom portion gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module 205 is fixedly attachable to a bottom portion of the gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement 250. When the gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement 250 is so attached to the gate 200 (i.e., to the gate rightmost side vertical end bar or strut 202rm, and, when the first and second sensor modules 205 are so attached to the gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement 250, each one of the (first) top portion and (second) bottom portion gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor modules 205 is wirelessly communicable with the gate main board assembly 204.

A first primary magnetic assembly 206 (also referred to as a top portion gate rightmost end bar magnetic assembly 206) is attachable to a top portion of the gate rightmost side vertical end bar or strut 202rm. A second primary magnetic assembly 206 (also referred to as a bottom portion gate rightmost end bar magnetic assembly 206) is attachable to a bottom portion of the gate rightmost side vertical end bar or strut 202rm. When so attached, each one of the (first primary) top portion and (second primary) bottom portion gate rightmost end bar magnetic assemblies 206 is magnetically communicable with a respective one of the (first) top portion and (second) bottom portion gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor modules 205.

A first secondary magnetic assembly 207 (also referred to as a top portion gate right side closing boundary magnetic assembly 207) is attachable to a top portion of the gate right side closing boundary 240. Alternatively, or additionally, a second secondary magnetic assembly 207 (also referred to as a bottom portion gate right side closing boundary magnetic assembly 207) is attachable to a bottom portion of the gate right side closing boundary 240. When so attached, the (first secondary) top portion gate right side closing boundary magnetic assembly) 207 is magnetically communicable with the (first) top portion gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module 205. Alternatively, or additionally, when so attached, the (second secondary) bottom portion gate right side closing boundary magnetic assembly 207 is magnetically communicable with the (second) bottom portion gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module 205.

In exemplary embodiments, each of the primary magnetic assemblies 206, and the secondary magnetic assemblies 207, essentially consists of a magnet that is fitted and housed inside of a non-magnetic housing or encasing. In exemplary embodiments, such a non-magnetic housing or encasing is made of a material selected from the group consisting of non-metallic materials (e.g., hard or firm polymeric materials, hard or firm plastic materials, hard or firm ceramic materials, and combinations thereof); composite types of materials; and combinations thereof. In exemplary embodiments, the primary magnetic assemblies 106, and the secondary magnetic assemblies 207, are made of such a material, or combination of such materials, that withstands the same multi-closings and multi-openings, and year-round weather conditions, to which the gate 200 itself is subjected to.

FIGs. 18 - 20 schematically show the exemplary embodiment of the gate obstacle detection system components (204, 250, 260, 205, 206, 207), and relative locations thereof) as applied to the exemplary electric (rightward/leftward) sliding gate 200, highlighting sequential stages of rightward sliding and closing of the gate, without presence of an obstacle.

FIG. 18 shows the gate obstacle system components (204, 250, 260, 205, 206, 207), and relative locations thereof, during initial rightward sliding and closing of the gate 200, highlighting the (first) top portion or (second) bottom portion rightmost side bar supplement sensor module 205 not yet being sufficiently close to (e.g., within 2 cm from), and in magnetic communication, with either of the respective (first secondary) top portion or (second secondary) bottom portion gate right side closing boundary magnetic assembly 207, and not yet being sufficiently close to (e.g., within 2 cm from), and in magnetic communication with, either of the respective (first primary) top portion or (second primary) bottom portion gate rightmost end bar magnetic assembly 206.

FIG. 19 shows the gate obstacle system components (204, 250, 260, 205, 206, 207), and relative locations thereof, at near full or near complete closure of the gate 200, highlighting the (first) top portion and the (second) bottom portion gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module 205 being sufficiently close to (e.g., within 2 cm from), and in magnetic communication with, the respective (first secondary) top portion and (second secondary) bottom portion gate right side closing boundary magnetic assembly 207, before being sufficiently close to (e.g., within 2 cm from), and in magnetic communication with, either of the respective (first primary) top portion or (second primary) bottom portion gate rightmost end bar magnetic assembly 206.

As shown in FIGs. 18 and 19, the (relatively small) reversibly variable horizontal distance dO that spans in between the right side of the gate rightmost side vertical end bar or strut 202rm and the left side of the gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement 250, remains unchanged (i.e., as dO), since spring-like compressions of the (spring-like) elastic connecting members (260-t, 260-b) do not yet occur. FIG. 20 shows the gate obstacle system components (204, 250, 260, 205, 206, 207), and relative locations thereof, at full or complete closure of the gate 200. As shown in FIG. 20, the reversibly variable horizontal distance dO decreases from the gate initial (or rest position) distance dO to the gate close distance dl, due to spring-like compression of the (spring-like) elastic connecting members (260-t, 260-b) attached between the the right side of the gate rightmost side vertical end bar or strut 202rm and the left side of the gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement 250 having occurred at full or complete closure of the gate 200.

During closing of the gate 200, via rightward sliding motion of the gate 200, if one of the (first) top portion or (second) bottom portion gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module 205 moves and becomes sufficiently close to (e.g., within 2 cm from), and magnetically communicates with, a respective one of the (first secondary) top portion or (second secondary) bottom portion gate right side closing boundary magnetic assembly 207 before one of the (first) top portion or (second) bottom portion gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor modules 205 moves and becomes sufficiently close to (e.g., within 2 cm from), and magnetically communicates with, a respective one of the (first primary) top portion or (second primary) bottom portion gate rightmost end bar magnetic assembly 206, then, the (first) top portion or (second) bottom portion gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module 205 sends a signal to the gate main board assembly 204 indicative of no obstacle being present in or along the horizontal gate pathway (trajectory) 235, whereby, no further action is taken by the main board assembly 204 during closing of the gate 200.

FIGs. 18, 21, and 22 schematically show the exemplary embodiment of the gate obstacle system components (204, 250, 260, 205, 206, 207), and relative locations thereof, as applied to the exemplary electric (rightward/leftward) sliding gate 200, highlighting sequential stages of rightward sliding and closing of the gate 200, with presence of an obstacle.

FIG. 18 is presented hereinabove.

FIG. 21 shows the gate obstacle system components (204, 250, 260, 205, 206, 207), and relative locations thereof, during rightward sliding and closing of the gate 200, with an obstacle (for example, obstacle 70) being present in or along the horizontal gate pathway (trajectory) 235. The (second) bottom portion gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module 205 moves and becomes sufficiently close to (e.g., within 2 cm from), and in magnetic communication with, the respective (second primary) bottom portion gate rightmost end bar magnetic assembly 206, before one of the (first) top portion or (second) bottom portion gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module 205 becomes sufficiently close to (e.g., within 2 cm from), and in magnetic communication with, a respective (first secondary) top portion or (second secondary) bottom portion gate right side closing boundary magnetic assembly 207. Accordingly, the (second) bottom portion gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module 205 sends a signal to the gate main board assembly 204 indicative of an obstacle 70 being present in or along the horizontal gate pathway (trajectory) 235.

As also shown in FIG. 21, as a result of the (in progress) rightward sliding and closing gate contacting (bumping into) the obstacle 70, the reversibly variable horizontal distance dO, that spans in between the bottom portion of the right side of the gate rightmost side vertical end bar or strut 202rm and the bottom portion of the left side of the gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement 250, decreases from the gate initial (or rest position) distance dO to a compressed distance d2. Such decrease in the reversibly variable horizontal distance dO is due to spring-like compression (flattening, shortening, narrowing) of the second (springlike) elastic connecting member 260-b attached between the bottom portion of the right side of the gate rightmost side vertical end bar or strut 202rm and the bottom portion of the left side of the gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement 250.

As shown in FIG. 21, also as a result of the (in progress) rightward sliding and closing gate contacting (bumping into) the obstacle 70, simultaneously, the reversibly variable horizontal distance dO, that spans in between the top portion of the right side of the gate rightmost side vertical end bar or strut 202rm and the top portion of the left side of the gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement 250, increases from the gate initial (or rest position) distance dO to an extended distance d3. Such increase in the reversibly variable horizontal distance dO is due to spring-like extension (stretching, lengthening) of the first (spring-like) elastic connecting member 260-t attached between the the top portion of the right side of the gate rightmost side vertical end bar or strut 202rm and the top portion of the left side of the gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement 250.

As shown in FIG. 22, as a result of the gate motor 201 facilitating leftward moving (sliding) and reopening of the gate 200 (along with the attached gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement 250), by the preset distance (D) 75, each of the extended distance d3, and the compressed distance d2, (reversibly) changes back to the gate initial (or rest position) distance dO, due to elasticity of the first and second (spring-like) elastic connecting members 260-t and 260-b, respectively.

With reference to FIGs. 21 and 22, when the gate obstacle detection system detects the presence of the obstacle 70, via actions of the gate main board assembly 204 (and components thereof), the gate motor 201 undergoes a programmed sequence of turning off and on, as follows: (i) turning off and stopping (for a short preset time period or delay); (ii) again turning on and restarting (for a short preset time period or delay, or preset distance (in FIG. 22, indicated by letter (D) alongside the arrow and reference number 75) safely away from the obstacle 70, of reverse motion [partial reopening] of the gate 200); and (iii) again turning off and stopping, and remaining turned off, until there is resetting of the gate obstacle detection system, and new instruction to turn on and start for closing or opening the gate 200. In exemplary embodiments, in preceding list of actions (i) through (iii), the preset time period or delay has a magnitude in a range of between one second (1 sec) and sixty seconds (60 sec). In exemplary embodiments, in actions (i) through (iii), the preset time period or delay has a magnitude of ten seconds (10 sec). In exemplary embodiments, in action (ii), the preset distance (D) has a magnitude in a range of between two centimeters (2 cm) and fifty centimeters (50 cm).

Resetting of the gate obstacle detection system is facilitated by pressing the gate motor switch 203 to its rest / neutral [0] position, whereby the main board micro-controller [MC_5] 210 counts a short preset (system reset) time period. In exemplary embodiments, the preset (system reset) time period has a magnitude in a range of between one second (1 sec) and sixty seconds (60 sec). In exemplary embodiments, the preset (system reset) time period has a magnitude of ten seconds (10 sec). System resetting includes the main board micro-controller [MC_5] 210 sending signals (with instructions) to both the main board first and second electrical relays 214 (214-1-rt, 214-2-lt), for converting both their (temporary) electrically open configurations back to their initial (default) electrically closed configurations. System resetting also includes reopening of the sensor module first reed switch 217-1 (being magnetically communicable with the primary magnetic assembly 206, so as to be set for a next possible occurrence and cycle of obstacle detection. End of the preset (system reset) time period marks completion of the system reset. The gate motor 201 is then set and ready to receive new instruction from the main board assembly 204, to turn on for closing or opening the gate 200.

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the gate main board assembly (and components thereof) 204, in relation to other components and devices associated with operation of the gate obstacle detection system. In FIG. 23, operable connections, operative connections, and communications (lines, links) are indicated by the dotted lines extending between the indicated components. In exemplary embodiments, the gate main board assembly 204 includes main components: (i) a main board micro-controller (microprocessor) [MC_5] 210, operably connectable to, and communicable with, the gate motor switch 203; (ii) a main board transceiver [TX/RX] 211, operatively connected to, and in communication with, the main board micro -controller [MC_5] 210, and wirelessly communicable with the first and second sensor modules 205 (in FIG. 23, indicated by the wide arrow with reference number 270); and (iii) two main board electrical relays (electrical relay switches) 214 (a main board first electrical relay 214-1-rt, and a main board second electrical relay 214-2-lt), operatively connected to, and in communication with, the main board micro -controller [MC_5] 210, and, operably connectable to the gate motor 201. In exemplary embodiments, the main board assembly 204 is housed in a main board assembly housing 275.

In additional exemplary embodiments, the main board assembly 204 further includes optional components: (iv) an optional main board gate direction sensor 213 (in FIG. 23, indicated by the dashed box), operatively connected to, and in communication with, the main board micro-controller [MC_5] 210; and (v) an optional main board alarm 280 (in FIG. 23, indicated by the dashed box), operatively connected to, and in communication with, the main board micro-controller [MC_5] 210. In additional exemplary embodiments, the main board transceiver [TX/RX] 211 is wirelessly communicable with one or more local or/and remote gate status notification receiving devices 285, such as a locally or remotely located computer (and display thereof), a locally or remotely located computer-type device (and display thereof), or/and a locally or remotely located mobile phone (and display thereof).

In exemplary embodiments, the wireless communication of the main board transceiver [TX/RX] 211 with the first and second sensor modules 205, is via one or more (short distance) wireless types of communication protocols, such as radio frequency (RF) based communication protocols (e.g., WiFi or/and Bluetooth wireless types of communication protocols). In exemplary embodiments, the wireless communication of the main board transceiver [TX/RX] 211 with one or more local or/and remote gate status notification receiving devices 285, is via one or more (short distance) wireless types of communication protocols, such as radio frequency (RF) based communication protocols (e.g., WiFi or/and Bluetooth wireless types of communication protocols), or/and via one or more (long distance) wireless types of communication protocols.

Main board micro-controller (microprocessor) [MC 5] 210

In exemplary embodiments, the main board micro -controller (microprocessor) [MC_5] 210 is configured for receiving signals (with information) from other components of the gate main board assembly 204, and from the gate motor switch 203; processing such signals and information; and sending signals (with information and instructions) to other components of the gate main board assembly 204, and to the gate motor switch 203.

Main board transceiver [TX/RX] 211

In exemplary embodiments, the main board transceiver [TX/RX] 211 is configured for receiving signals (with information) from, and sending signals (with information) to, the gate supplement sensor module transceiver [TX/RX] 215, and the main board micro-controller [MC_5] 210. In exemplary embodiments, the main board transceiver [TX/RX] 211 is also configured for receiving signals (with information) from, and sending signals (with information) to, one or more local or/and remote shutter status notification receiving devices 285.

Main board electrical relays (electrical relay switches) 214 (214-1-rt, 214-2-lt)

Via implementation of the gate obstacle detection system, each of the main board first electrical relay 214-1-rt and the main board second electrical relay 214-2-lt is operatively connected to the gate motor 201, for facilitating gate rightward sliding (closing) motion, and gate leftward sliding (opening) motion, respectively, via operation of the main board micro-controller [MC_5] 210 and the gate motor 201, as follows.

In exemplary embodiments of the gate main board assembly 204, the main board first electrical relay 214-1-rt has a preset, and reset, default electrically closed configuration, for facilitating gate rightward sliding (closing) motion, via operation of the main board micro-controller [MC_5] 210 and the gate motor 201. Specifically, in exemplary embodiments, at relevant instances of operation of the gate obstacle detection system, the main board micro -controller [MC_5] 210 sends a signal (with instructions) to the main board first electrical relay 214-1-rt (having a preset, and reset, default electrically closed configuration, for facilitating gate rightward sliding (closing) motion), which, in turn, sends a signal to the gate motor 201, for turning on (starting, or restarting) the gate motor 201, so as to start rightward sliding motion and closing of the gate 200. The main board first electrical relay 214-1-rt (having the electrically closed configuration for facilitating gate rightward sliding motion) remains in the electrically closed configuration, until or unless the main board micro-controller [MC_5] 210 instructs otherwise.

For example, in the instance the main board micro -controller [MC_5] 210 instructs the main board first electrical relay 214-1-rt to change from the default electrically closed configuration to a (temporary) electrically open configuration, then, upon resetting of the gate obstacle detection system (and components thereof), via default, the main board micro-controller [MC_5] 210 instructs the main board first electrical relay 214-1-rt to change back to the electrically closed configuration. Such preset, and reset, default electrically closed configuration of the main board first electrical relay 214-1-rt facilitates electrical continuity between the main board micro -controller [MC_5] 210 and the main board first electrical relay 214-1-rt.

Similarly, in exemplary embodiments, the main board second electrical relay 214-2-lt has a preset, and reset, default electrically closed configuration, for facilitating gate leftward sliding (opening) motion, via operation of the main board micro-controller [MC_5] 210 and the gate motor 201. Specifically, in exemplary embodiments, at relevant instances of operation of the gate obstacle detection system, the main board micro -controller [MC_5] 210 sends a signal (with instructions) to the main board second electrical relay 214-2-lt (having a preset, and reset, default electrically closed configuration, for facilitating gate leftward sliding motion), which, in turn, sends a signal to the gate motor 201, for turning on (starting, or restarting) the gate motor 201, so as to start leftward sliding motion and opening of the gate 200. The main board second electrical relay 214-2-lt (having the electrically closed configuration for facilitating gate leftward sliding motion) remains in the electrically closed configuration, until or unless the main board micro -controller [MC_5] 210 instructs otherwise.

For example, in the instance the main board micro -controller [MC_5] 210 instructs the main board second electrical relay 214-2-lt to change from the default electrically closed configuration to a (temporary) electrically open configuration, then, upon resetting of the gate obstacle detection system (and components thereof), via default, the main board micro-controller [MC_5] 210 instructs the main board second electrical relay 214-2-lt to change back to the electrically closed configuration. Such preset, and reset, default electrically closed configuration of the main board second electrical relay 214-2-lt facilitates electrical continuity between the main board micro-controller [MC_5] 210 and the main board second electrical relay 214-2-lt.

In the gate main board assembly 204, the main board first electrical relay 214-1-rt, and the main board second electrical relay 214-2-lt, are particularly configured with the above described preset, and reset, default electrically closed configuration, that facilitates electrical continuity between the main board micro-controller [MC_5] 210 and the main board first and second electrical relays 214-1-rt and 214-2-lt, respectively. Such configuration of the main board first and second electrical relays 214-1-rt and 214-2-lt, respectively, enables continued, uninterrupted, functioning (operation) of the gate 200, in scenarios involving malfunction, or stopped function, of one or more components of the gate obstacle detection system.

For example, in scenarios involving malfunction, or stopped function, of either one or both of the gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor modules 205, for example, as a result of malfunction, or stopped function, of one or more individual components thereof. For example, the gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module 205 may malfunction, or stop functioning, as a result of insufficient power (e.g., low or no battery power) provided by the sensor module power supply [PS_6] 218. Additionally, for example, as a result of malfunction, or stopped function, of either one or both of the primary magnetic assemblies 206, or, of either one or both of the secondary magnetic assemblies 207. Additionally, for example, as a result of malfunction, or stopped function, of the main board transceiver [TX/RX] 211 in the gate main board assembly 204. In such exemplary scenarios, both of the main board first and second electrical relays 214-1-rt and 214-2-lt, respectively, will be in the preset, or reset, default electrically closed configuration, thereby, maintaining a closed electrical circuit with the main board micro-controller [MC_5] 210, for facilitating, via the gate motor 201, gate rightward sliding (closing) motion, or gate leftward sliding (opening) motion, of the gate 200.

Optional main board gate direction sensor 213

In exemplary embodiments, optionally, the gate main board assembly 204 also includes a main board gate direction sensor 213, operatively connected to, and in communication with, the main board micro-controller [MC_5] 210. In exemplary embodiments, the main board gate direction sensor 213, continuously, identifies (senses, detects) the (rightward closing, or leftward opening) direction of the (rightward sliding, or leftward sliding) motion, of the gate 200, and in a continuous manner, sends signals with such identified gate direction of motion to the main board micro -controller [MC_5] 210. In turn, the main board micro-controller [MC_5] 210 reads, interprets, and uses, such information as part of determining, and then instructing, whether to facilitate rightward closing, or leftward opening, of the gate 200.

Optional inclusion of the main board gate direction sensor 213, and operation thereof, serve as a type of validation or confirmation mechanism used by the main board micro-controller [MC_5] 210, for validating or confirming, in a continuous manner, the (rightward closing, or leftward opening) direction of the (rightward sliding, or leftward sliding) motion, of the gate 200. In exemplary embodiments, the main board micro-controller [MC_5] 210 uses such validation or confirmation as part of determining, and then instructing, whether to facilitate rightward closing, or leftward opening, of the gate 200, for example, via sending signals (with instructions) to the gate motor 201, for driving rightward closing, or leftward opening, of the gate 200.

Optional main board alarm 280

In exemplary embodiments, optionally, the gate main board assembly 204 also includes a main board alarm 280, operatively connected to, and in communication with, the main board micro-controller [MC_5] 210. Alternatively, in exemplary embodiments, optionally, a main board alarm 280 is (externally) operatively connected to the gate main board assembly 204, and in communication with the the main board micro-controller [MC_5] 210 therein.

In such exemplary embodiments, for example, for the scenario (as shown in FIGs. 21 and 22) of the gate obstacle detection system detecting the presence of an obstacle 70 in or along the gate horizontal pathway (trajectory) 235 during closing of the gate 200, the main board alarm 280 becomes activated for generating an alarm or warning signal indicating such obstacle detection. In exemplary embodiments, the alarm or warning signal is in a form of a visual signal, or/and in a form of an audio signal. In exemplary embodiments, the visual signal is in a form of a flashing red light, or/and a text message. In exemplary embodiments, the audio signal is in a form of an alarm type sound, for example, a loud beeping sound. In exemplary embodiments, via instruction of the main board micro -controller [MC_5] 210, the alarm or warning signal(s) is/are wirelessly sent, via the main board transceiver [TX/RX] 111, to one or more local or/and remote gate status notification receiving devices 285, such as a locally or remotely located computer (and display thereof), a locally or remotely located computer-type device (and display thereof), or/and a locally or remotely located mobile phone (and display thereof).

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module (and components thereof) 205, in relation to other components of the gate obstacle detection system. Gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module 205 corresponds to each one of the (first) top portion and the (second) bottom portion side bar supplement sensor modules 205, illustratively described above and shown in FIGs. 18 - 22. In FIG. 24, operable connections, operative connections, and communications (lines, links) are indicated by the dotted lines extending between the indicated components.

In exemplary embodiments, each of the two gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor modules 205 includes main components: (i) a sensor module micro -controller (microprocessor) [MC_6] 216; (ii) a sensor module transceiver [TX/RX] 215, operatively connected to, and in communication with, the sensor module micro -controller [MC_6] 216, and wirelessly communicable with the main board transceiver [TX/RX] 211 (in FIG. 24, indicated by the wide arrow with reference number 270); (iii) two sensor module reed switches (electrical switches operating via a magnetic field) 217 (a sensor module first reed switch 217-1, and a sensor module second reed switch 217-2), with each one operatively connected to, and in communication with, the sensor module micro-controller [MC_6] 216, and with the sensor module first reed switch 217-1 also being magnetically communicable with a respective primary magnetic assembly 206, and with the sensor module second reed switch 217-2 also being magnetically communicable with a respective secondary magnetic assembly 207; and (iv) a sensor module power supply [PS_6] 218, operatively connected to sensor module components (i) - (iii). In exemplary embodiments, each sensor module 205 is housed in a sensor module housing 290.

In exemplary embodiments, the sensor module micro-controller (microprocessor) [MC_6] 216 is configured for receiving signals (with information) from other components of the gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module 205; processing such signals and information; and sending signals (with information and instructions) to other components of the gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module 205. In exemplary embodiments, the sensor module transceiver [TX/RX] 215 is configured for receiving signals (with information) from, and sending signals (with information) to, the main board transceiver [TX/RX] 211, and the sensor module micro-controller [MC_6] 216. In exemplary embodiments, the sensor module power supply [PS_6] 218 is a compact low voltage power supply, such as a low voltage battery, for example, having a voltage rating in a range of between 1.5 volts (1.5 V) and 10 volts (10 V), sufficient to power the gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module 205 (and components thereof) during operation of the gate obstacle detection system.

FIG. 25 is a schematic flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of sequential actions (processes) taking place during operation of the gate obstacle detection system as applied to the exemplary electric (right/leftward) sliding gate 200. The following illustrative description, in addition to relating to the sequential actions (processes) shown in FIG. 25, also relates to the exemplary embodiment of the gate main board assembly (and components thereof) 204 (as shown in FIG. 23), and to the exemplary embodiment of the gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module (and components thereof) 205 (as shown in FIG. 24). Actions 1

> gate motor switch (203) in rest / neutral [0] position. > gate motor switch (203) pressed, to turn on gate motor (201), for closing (sliding right) of gate (200).

> main board assembly (204) set for possible obstacle detection.

Initially, a user presses the gate motor switch 203 (initially, in a rest or neutral [0] position) for closing the gate 200. This action sets (activates) the main board assembly 204 (and components thereof) for possible obstacle detection. The [main board assembly 204] main board micro-controller [MC_5] 210 main board micro-controller sends a signal (with instructions) to the [main board assembly 204] main board first electrical relay 214-1-rt (having an electrically closed configuration, for facilitating gate rightward sliding motion), which, in turn, sends a signal to the gate motor 201, for turning on (starting) the gate motor 201, so as to start closing of the gate 200.

> no obstacle detected during closing (sliding right) of gate (200)

Corresponds to above illustrative description with reference to FIGs. 18 - 20, showing the exemplary embodiment of the gate obstacle system components (204, 250, 260, 205, 206, 207), and relative locations thereof, as applied to the exemplary electric (rightward/leftward) sliding gate 200, highlighting sequential stages of rightward sliding and closing of the gate 200, without presence of an obstacle. Actions 2a

> gate motor (201) remains on during closing (right sliding) of gate (200).

> at full closure of gate (200), sensor module second reed switch (217-2) closes, before sensor module first reed switch (217-1) closes.

Following initial turning on of the gate motor 201, for the scenario of no obstacle being present in or along the horizontal pathway (trajectory) 235 of the closing gate 200, the gate motor 201 remains turned on during the remainder of fully or completely closing the gate 200. At near full or near complete closure of the gate 200, the [gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module 205] sensor module second reed switch 217-2, moves and becomes sufficiently close to, and magnetically communicates with, the secondary magnetic assembly (gate right side closing boundary magnetic assembly) 207 {thereby, facilitating closing of the electrical circuit in the sensor module second reed switch 217-2], before the [gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module 205] sensor module first reed switch 217-1 moves and becomes sufficiently close to, and magnetically communicates with, the primary magnetic assembly (gate rightmost end bar (strut) magnetic assembly) 206 {thereby, leaving the sensor module first reed switch 217-1 with its open electrical open circuit}. The closed electrical circuit of the [gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module 205] sensor module second reed switch 217-2 is detected by the [gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module 205] sensor module micro-controller [MC_6] 216, which then sends a signal (with instructions) to the [gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module 205] sensor module transceiver [TX/RX] 215. The [gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module 205] sensor module transceiver [TX/RX] 215 then sends a signal to, via wireless communication with, the [gate main board assembly 204] main board transceiver [TX/RX] 211, which, in turn, sends a signal to the [gate main board assembly 204] main board micro-controller [MC_5] 210. The [gate main board assembly 204] main board micro-controller [MC_5] 210 interprets this signal as corresponding to a condition of no obstacle being present in or along the horizontal pathway (trajectory) 235 of the closing gate 200, whereby, no further action needs to be taken by the [gate main board assembly 204] main board micro-controller [MC_5] 210 during closing of the gate 200. Accordingly, the [gate main board assembly 204] main board first electrical relay 214-1-dn (having the electrically closed configuration for facilitating gate rightward sliding motion) remains in the electrically closed configuration, thereby leaving the gate motor 201 to remain on during the remainder of fully or completely closing the gate 200.

> obstacle 70 detected during closing (right sliding) of gate (200)

Corresponds to above illustrative description with reference to FIGs. 18, 21, and 22, showing the exemplary embodiment of the gate obstacle system components (204, 250, 260, 205, 206, 207), and relative locations thereof, as applied to the exemplary electric (rightward/leftward) sliding gate 200, highlighting sequential stages of rightward sliding and closing of the gate 200, with presence of an obstacle. Actions 2

> sensor module first reed switch (217-1) closes.

> sensor module (205) informs main board assembly (204) of obstacle detection.

Following initial turning on of the gate motor 201 for closing the gate 200 (as shown in FIG. 1), for the scenario of an obstacle (for example, obstacle 70) being present in or along the horizontal pathway (trajectory) of the closing gate 200 (as shown in FIGs. 21 and 22), via actions of the main board assembly 204 (and components thereof), the gate motor 201 undergoes a programmed sequence of: (i) turning off and stopping (for a short preset time period or delay; (ii) again turning on and restarting (for a short preset time period or delay, or preset distance (D) safely away from the obstacle 70, of reverse motion [partial reopening] of the gate 200); and (iii) again turning off and stopping, and remaining turned off, until there is resetting of the system, followed by new instruction to turn on and start for closing or opening the gate 200.

Nearly instantly after the (in progress) closing gate (gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement 250) contacts (bumps into) the obstacle 70, the [bottom portion gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module 205] sensor module first reed switch 217-1 moves and becomes sufficiently close to, and magnetically communicates with, the second primary magnetic assembly (bottom portion gate rightmost end bar magnetic assembly) 206 {thereby, facilitating closing of the electrical circuit in the sensor module first reed switch 217-1 }, before the the [bottom portion gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module 205] sensor module second reed switch 217-2 moves and becomes sufficiently close to, and magnetically communicates with, the second secondary magnetic assembly (bottom portion gate right side closing boundary magnetic assembly) 207 {thereby, leaving the sensor module second reed switch 217-2 with its open electrical circuit], thereby, leaving open the electrical circuit in the the [bottom portion gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module 205] sensor module second reed switch 217-2.

The closed electrical circuit of the [bottom portion gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module 205] sensor module first reed switch 217-1 is detected by the [gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module 205] sensor module micro-controller [MC_6] 216, which then sends a signal (with instructions) to the [gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module 205] sensor module transceiver [TX/RX] 215. The [gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module 205] sensor module transceiver [TX/RX] 215 then sends a signal to, via wireless communication with, the [gate main board assembly 204] main board transceiver [TX/RX] 211, which, in turn, sends a signal to the [gate main board assembly 204] main board micro-controller [MC_5] 210. The [gate main board assembly 204] main board micro-controller [MC_5] 210 interprets this signal as corresponding to a condition of an obstacle 70 being present in or along the horizontal pathway (trajectory) 235 of the closing gate 200, whereby, further action needs to be taken by the [gate main board assembly 204] main board micro-controller [MC_5] 210 during closing of the gate 200.

In exemplary embodiments, optionally, at the instant the [gate main board assembly 204] main board micro-controller [MC_5] 210 determines the condition of an obstacle 70 being present in or along the horizontal pathway (trajectory) 235 of the closing gate 200, the [gate main board assembly 204] main board alarm 280 becomes activated for generating an alarm or warning signal indicating such obstacle detection. In exemplary embodiments, the alarm or warning signal is a visual signal (e.g., in a form of a flashing red light, or/and a text message), or/and an audio signal (e.g., in a form of an alarm type sound, such as a loud beeping sound). In exemplary embodiments, as illustratively described above, with reference to FIG. 23, via instruction of the [gate main board assembly 204] main board micro-controller [MC_5] 210, the alarm or warning signal(s) is/are wirelessly sent, via the [gate main board assembly 204] main board transceiver [TX/RX] 211, to one or more local or/and remote gate status notification receiving devices 285, such as a locally or remotely located computer (and display thereof), a locally or remotely located computer-type device (and display thereof), or/and a locally or remotely located mobile phone (and display thereof).

Actions 3

> main board assembly (204) instructs gate motor (201) to turn off for short time delay.

> gate motor (201) again turns on for short time, for left sliding and opening of gate (200) a distance (D).

> gate motor (201) again turns off and stops at end of time delay (with gate (200) having moved distance (D)).

Accordingly, the [gate main board assembly 204] main board micro-controller [MC_5] 210 sends a signal (with instructions) to the [gate main board assembly 204] main board first electrical relay 214-1-rt, for converting its initial (default) electrically closed configuration to a (temporary) electrically open configuration, which, in turn, facilitates temporarily turning off and stopping of the gate motor 201 (for a short preset time period or delay), thereby, temporarily stopping (interrupting) the (in progress) gate rightward sliding motion.

At the end of the preset time period or delay, the [gate main board assembly 204] main board micro-controller [MC_5] 210 sends a signal (with instructions) to the [gate main board assembly 204] main board second electrical relay 214-2-lt (in its initial (default) electrically closed configuration), so as to actuate the [gate main board assembly 204] main board second electrical relay 214-2-lt (for facilitating gate rightward sliding motion), which sends a signal to the gate motor 201, for again turning on and restarting the gate motor 201 (for a short preset time period or delay, or preset distance (D) safely away from the obstacle 70, of reverse motion [partial reopening] of the gate 200).

At the end of the preset time period or delay of reverse motion [partial reopening] of the gate 200 (with the gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement 250), the gate 200 (with the gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement 250) has leftward moved the preset distance (D), safely away from the obstacle 70. The [gate main board assembly 204] main board micro-controller [MC_5] 210 sends a signal (with instructions) to the [gate main board assembly 204] main board second electrical relay 214-2-lt for converting its initial (default) electrically closed configuration to an electrically open configuration, for again turning off and stopping the gate motor 201. At this time, the obstacle 70 may be safely removed from the gate horizontal pathway (trajectory) 235.

Actions 4 and 5

> system reset required.

> gate motor switch (203) pressed to reset the system.

> passage of short system reset time period.

> main board assembly relays (214-1-rt, 214-2-lt) reclosed.

> sensor module reed switches (217-1, 217-2) reopened.

Resetting of the gate obstacle detection system is facilitated by pressing the gate motor switch 203 to its rest / neutral [0] position, whereby the main board micro-controller [MC_5] 210 counts a short preset (system reset) time period. In exemplary embodiments, the preset (system reset) time period has a magnitude in a range of between one second (1 sec) and sixty seconds (60 sec), for example, ten seconds (10 sec). System resetting includes the [gate main board assembly 204] main board micro -controller [MC_5] 210 sending signals (with instructions) to both the [gate main board assembly 204] main board first electrical relay 214-1-rt and main board second electrical relay 214-2-lt, for converting both their (temporary) electrically open configurations back to their initial (default) electrically closed configurations. System resetting also includes reopening of the [gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module 205] sensor module first reed switch 217-1 (being magnetically communicable with the [gate rightmost end bar (strut) 202rm] primary magnetic assembly 206, so as to be set for a next possible occurrence and cycle of obstacle detection.

Actions 6

> at end of system reset time period, system reset complete.

End of the preset (system reset) time period marks completion of the system reset.

Actions 7

> after system reset, gate motor (201) is set to receive new instruction from main board assembly (204), to turn on for closing (right sliding) or opening (left sliding) gate (200).

After resetting of the system, the gate motor 201 is set and ready for receiving new instruction from the main board assembly 204, to turn on for driving either rightward sliding and opening of the gate 200, or, leftward sliding and closing of the gate 200. Each of the following terms written in singular grammatical form: 'a', 'an', and 'the', as used herein, means 'at least one', or 'one or more'. Use of the phrase 'one or more' herein does not alter this intended meaning of 'a', 'an', or 'the'. Accordingly, the terms 'a', 'an', and 'the', as used herein, may also refer to, and encompass, a plurality of the stated entity or object, unless otherwise specifically defined or stated herein, or, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the phrases: 'a unit', 'a device', 'an assembly', 'a mechanism', 'a component', 'an element', and 'a step or procedure', as used herein, may also refer to, and encompass, a plurality of units, a plurality of devices, a plurality of assemblies, a plurality of mechanisms, a plurality of components, a plurality of elements, and, a plurality of steps or procedures, respectively.

Each of the following terms: 'includes', 'including', 'has', 'having', 'comprises', and 'comprising', and, their linguistic / grammatical variants, derivatives, or/and conjugates, as used herein, means 'including, but not limited to', and is to be taken as specifying the stated component(s), feature(s), characteristic(s), parameter(s), integer(s), or step(s), and does not preclude addition of one or more additional component(s), feature(s), characteristic(s), parameter(s), integer(s), step(s), or groups thereof. Each of these terms is considered equivalent in meaning to the phrase 'consisting essentially of.

Each of the phrases 'consisting of, and 'consists of, as used herein, means 'including and limited to'.

Each of the phrases 'consisting essentially of, and 'consists essentially of, as used herein, means that the stated entity or item (system, system unit, system sub-unit, device, assembly, sub-assembly, mechanism, structure, component, element, or, peripheral equipment, utility, accessory, or material, method or process, step or procedure, sub-step or subprocedure), which is an entirety or part of an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed invention, or/and which is used for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed invention, may include at least one additional 'feature or characteristic' being a system unit, system subunit, device, assembly, sub-assembly, mechanism, structure, component, or element, or, peripheral equipment, utility, accessory, or material, step or procedure, sub-step or subprocedure), but only if each such additional 'feature or characteristic' does not materially alter the basic novel and inventive characteristics or special technical features, of the claimed entity or item.

Throughout this disclosure, a numerical value of a parameter, feature, characteristic, object, or dimension, may be stated or described in terms of a numerical range format. Such a numerical range format, as used herein, illustrates implementation of some exemplary embodiments of the invention, and does not inflexibly limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, a stated or described numerical range also refers to, and encompasses, all possible sub-ranges and individual numerical values (where a numerical value may be expressed as a whole, integral, or fractional number) within that stated or described numerical range. For example, a stated or described numerical range 'from 1 to 6' also refers to, and encompasses, all possible sub-ranges, such as 'from 1 to 3', 'from 1 to 4', 'from 1 to 5', 'from 2 to 4', 'from 2 to 6', 'from 3 to 6', etc., and individual numerical values, such as '1', '1.3', '2', '2.8', '3', '3.5', '4', '4.6', '5', '5.2', and '6', within the stated or described numerical range of 'from 1 to 6'. This applies regardless of the numerical breadth, extent, or size, of the stated or described numerical range.

Moreover, for stating or describing a numerical range, the phrase 'in a range of between about a first numerical value and about a second numerical value', is considered equivalent to, and meaning the same as, the phrase 'in a range oifrom about a first numerical value to about a second numerical value', and, thus, the two equivalently meaning phrases may be used interchangeably. For example, for stating or describing the numerical range of room temperature, the phrase 'room temperature refers to a temperature in a range of between about 20 °C and about 25 °C, is considered equivalent to, and meaning the same as, the phrase 'room temperature refers to a temperature in a range of from about 20 °C to about 25 °C.

The term 'about', as used herein, refers to ± 10 % of the stated numerical value.

The phrase 'operatively connected', as used herein, equivalently refers to the corresponding synonymous phrases 'operatively joined', and 'operatively attached'. These phrases, as used herein, mean that the described or/and shown entities are configured 'connected' to each other, in an 'operative' (ready-for-operation / ready-for-use) manner. Such operative connection, operative joint, or operative attachment, between or among the entities is according to one type, or a plurality of types, of a mechanical (physical, structural), or/and an electrical, or/and an electronic, or/and an electro-mechanical, connection or connections, involving one or more corresponding type(s) or kind(s) of mechanical (physical, structural), or/and electrical, or/and electronic, or/and electro-mechanical, equipment and components. Optionally, such operative connection, operative joint, or operative attachment, between or among the entities, may include, or may involve, one or more type(s) or kind(s) of computerized hardware or/and software equipment and components.

The phrase 'operably connectable', as used herein, equivalently refers to the corresponding synonymous phrases 'operably joinable to', and 'operably attachable to'. These phrases, as used herein, mean that the described or/and shown entities are configured 'connectable' to each other (i.e., capable of being connected to each other, having ability to be connected to each other, or having potential to be connected to each other), for subsequently forming an 'operative connection', an 'operative joint', or an 'operative attachment', between or among the entities. Such operable connectability, operable joinability, or operable attachability, between or among the entities is according to one type, or a plurality of types, of a mechanical (physical, structural), or/and an electrical, or/and an electronic, or/and an electro-mechanical, connection or connections, involving one or more corresponding type(s) or kind(s) of mechanical (physical, structural), or/and electrical, or/and electronic, or/and electro-mechanical, equipment and components. Optionally, such operable connectability, operable joinability, or operable attachability, between or among the entities, may include, or may involve, one or more type(s) or kind(s) of computerized hardware or/and software equipment and components.

It is to be fully understood that certain aspects, characteristics, and features, of the invention, which are, for clarity, illustratively described and presented in the context or format of a plurality of separate embodiments, may also be illustratively described and presented in any suitable combination or sub -combination in the context or format of a single embodiment. Conversely, various aspects, characteristics, and features, of the invention which are illustratively described and presented in combination or sub-combination in the context or format of a single embodiment, may also be illustratively described and presented in the context or format of a plurality of separate embodiments.

Although the invention has been illustratively described and presented by way of specific exemplary embodiments, and examples thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, or/and variations, thereof, will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that all such alternatives, modifications, or/and variations, are encompassed by the broad scope of the appended claims.

All publications, patents, and or/and patent applications, cited or referred to in this disclosure are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or/and patent application, was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this specification shall not be construed or understood as an admission that such reference represents or corresponds to prior art of the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.

Claims

1. A system for detecting presence of an obstacle during closing of an electric (downward/upward) roller shutter, the system comprising: a shutter main board assembly, operably connectable, via a shutter motor switch, to a shutter power supply, and operably connectable to a shutter motor powered by said shutter power supply and configured for imparting reversible downward unrolling and upward rolling motions to slats of the shutter along a vertical shutter pathway extending between a leading bottom side of a bottommost slat of the shutter and a ground level of the shutter; a left side shutter bottommost slat sensor module, attachable to a left side end portion of a bottommost slat of the shutter, and a right side shutter bottommost slat sensor module, attachable to a right side end portion of said bottommost shutter slat, wherein, when so attached, each one of said left side and right side shutter bottommost slat sensor modules is wirelessly communicable with said shutter main board assembly; a left side shutter penultimate slat magnetic assembly, attachable to a left side end portion of a penultimate slat of the shutter, and a right side shutter penultimate slat magnetic assembly, attachable to a right side end portion of said penultimate shutter slat, wherein, when so attached, each one of said left side and right side shutter bottommost slat sensor modules is magnetically communicable with a respective one of said left side and right side shutter penultimate slat magnetic assemblies; a left side shutter slat rolling track bottom magnetic assembly, attachable to a bottom end portion of a left side shutter slat rolling track, or/and a right side shutter slat rolling track bottom magnetic assembly, attachable to a bottom end portion of a right side shutter slat rolling track, wherein, when so attached, said left side shutter bottommost slat sensor module is magnetically communicable with said left side shutter slat rolling track bottom magnetic assembly, or/and said right side shutter bottommost slat sensor module is magnetically communicable with said right side shutter slat rolling track bottom magnetic assembly; wherein, upon implementation of the system, during downward closing of the shutter, if said left side or said right side shutter bottommost slat sensor module magnetically communicates with a respective one of said left side or said right side shutter penultimate slat magnetic assembly before said left side or said right side shutter bottommost slat sensor module magnetically communicates with a respective one of said left side or said right side shutter slat rolling track bottom magnetic assembly, then said left side or said right side shutter bottommost slat sensor module sends a signal to said shutter main board assembly indicative of the presence of an obstacle located in or along said vertical shutter pathway, whereby said shutter main board assembly instructs said shutter motor to stop imparting downward unrolling motion to the shutter slats.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said main board assembly includes: (i) a main board micro-controller, operably connectable to, and communicable with, said shutter motor switch; (ii) a main board transceiver, operatively connected to, and in communication with, said main board micro-controller, and wirelessly communicable with said left side and right side shutter bottommost slat sensor modules; and (iii) two main board electrical relays, operatively connected to, and in communication with, said main board micro-controller, and, operably connectable to said shutter motor.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein, said two main board electrical relays includes a main board first electrical relay and a main board second electrical relay, whereby, via said implementation of the system, each one of said main board first electrical relay and said main board second electrical relay is operatively connected to said shutter motor, for facilitating said shutter downward unrolling motion, and said shutter upward rolling motion, respectively, via operation of said main board micro-controller and said shutter motor.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein said main board first electrical relay has a preset, and reset, default electrically closed configuration, for said facilitating shutter downward unrolling motion, and said main board second electrical relay has a preset, and reset, default electrically closed configuration, for said facilitating shutter upward rolling motion, via said operation of said main board micro-controller and said shutter motor.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein said preset, and reset, default electrically closed configurations facilitate electrical continuity between said main board micro -controller and said main board first and second electrical relays, respectively, and enables continued, uninterrupted, functioning of the shutter in scenarios involving malfunction, or stopped function, of one or more system components.

6. The system of claim 2, wherein said main board assembly further includes: an optional main board shutter direction sensor, operatively connected to, and in communication with, said main board micro -controller, and configured for continuously identifying direction of said downward unrolling or said upward rolling motions of the shutter, and in a continuous manner, sending signals with such identified shutter direction of motion to said main board micro-controller.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein said main board shutter direction sensor, and operation thereof, serve as a validation or confirmation mechanism used by said main board micro-controller, for validating or confirming, in a continuous manner, said direction of said downward unrolling or said upward rolling motions of the shutter, as part of determining, and then instructing, whether to facilitate downward closing, or upward opening, of the shutter.

8. The system of claim 2, wherein said main board assembly further includes: an optional main board alarm, operatively connected to, and in communication with, said main board micro-controller, and configured for becoming activated for generating an alarm or warning signal indicating obstacle detection.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein, via instruction of said main board micro-controller, said alarm or warning signal is wirelessly sent, via said main board transceiver, to one or more local or/and remote shutter status notification receiving devices.

10. The system of claim 2, wherein each one of said left side and said right side shutter bottommost slat sensor modules includes: (i) a sensor module micro-controller; (ii) a sensor module transceiver, operatively connected to, and in communication with, said sensor module micro-controller, and wirelessly communicable with said main board transceiver; (iii) two sensor module reed switches, with each one operatively connected to, and in communication with, said sensor module micro-controller; and (iv) a sensor module power supply, operatively connected to said sensor module components (i) - (iii).

11. The system of claim 10, wherein, said two sensor module reed switches includes a sensor module first reed switch operatively connected to, and in communication with, said sensor module micro-controller, and also being magnetically communicable with said left side shutter penultimate slat magnetic assembly, and a sensor module second reed switch operatively connected to, and in communication with, said sensor module micro-controller, and also being magnetically communicable with said right side shutter slat rolling track bottom magnetic assembly.

12. A system for detecting presence of an obstacle during closing of an electric (rightward/leftward) sliding gate, the system comprising: a gate main board assembly, operably connectable, via a gate motor switch, to a gate power supply, and operably connectable to a gate motor powered by said gate power supply and configured for imparting reversible rightward and leftward sliding motions to the gate along a horizontal gate pathway extending between a leading right end side of a rightmost side vertical end bar or strut of the gate and a right side closing boundary of the gate; a gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement, moveably or flexibly attachable, in a spring-like manner, to said rightmost side vertical end bar or strut of the gate; a top portion gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module, fixedly attachable to a top portion of said gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement, and a bottom portion gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module, fixedly attachable to a bottom portion of said gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement, wherein, when said sensor holding supplement is so attached to the gate, and said sensor modules are so attached to said sensor holding supplement, each one of said top portion and bottom portion gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor modules is wirelessly communicable with said gate main board assembly; a top portion gate rightmost end bar magnetic assembly, attachable to a top portion of said rightmost side vertical end bar of the gate, and a bottom portion gate rightmost end bar magnetic assembly, attachable to a bottom portion of said rightmost side vertical end bar of the gate, wherein, when so attached, each one of said top portion and bottom portion gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor modules is magnetically communicable with a respective one of said top portion and bottom portion gate rightmost end bar magnetic assemblies; a top portion gate right side closing boundary magnetic assembly, attachable to a top portion of a gate right side closing boundary, or/and a bottom portion gate right side closing boundary magnetic assembly, attachable to a bottom portion of said gate right side closing boundary, wherein, when so attached, said top portion gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module is magnetically communicable with said top portion gate right side closing boundary magnetic assembly, or/and said bottom portion gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module is magnetically communicable with said bottom portion gate right side closing boundary magnetic assembly; wherein, upon implementation of the system, during rightward closing of the gate, if said top portion or said bottom portion gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module magnetically communicates with a respective one of said top portion or said bottom portion gate rightmost end bar magnetic assembly before said top portion or said bottom portion gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module magnetically communicates with a respective one of said top portion or said bottom portion gate right side closing boundary magnetic assembly, then said top portion or said bottom portion gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor module sends a signal to said gate main board assembly indicative of the presence of an obstacle located in or along said horizontal gate pathway, whereby said gate main board assembly instructs said gate motor to stop imparting rightward sliding motion to the gate.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein said main board assembly includes: (i) a main board micro-controller, operably connectable to, and communicable with, said gate motor switch; (ii) a main board transceiver, operatively connected to, and in communication with, said main board micro-controller, and wirelessly communicable with said top portion and said bottom portion gate rightmost side bar supplement sensor modules; and (iii) two main board electrical relays, operatively connected to, and in communication with, said main board micro-controller, and, operably connectable to said gate motor.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein, said two main board electrical relays includes a main board first electrical relay and a main board second electrical relay, whereby, via said implementation of the system, each one of said main board first electrical relay and said main board second electrical relay is operatively connected to said gate motor, for facilitating said gate rightward sliding motion, and said gate leftward sliding motion, respectively, via operation of said main board micro-controller and said gate motor.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein said main board first electrical relay has a preset, and reset, default electrically closed configuration, for said facilitating gate rightward sliding motion, and said main board second electrical relay has a preset, and reset, default electrically closed configuration, for said facilitating gate leftward sliding motion, via said operation of said main board micro-controller and said shutter motor.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein said preset, and reset, default electrically closed configurations facilitate electrical continuity between said main board micro -controller and said main board first and second electrical relays, respectively, and enables continued, uninterrupted, functioning of the gate in scenarios involving malfunction, or stopped function, of one or more system components.

17. The system of claim 13, wherein said main board assembly further includes: an optional main board gate direction sensor, operatively connected to, and in communication with, said main board micro -controller, and configured for continuously identifying direction of said rightward sliding or said leftward sliding motions of the gate, and in a continuous manner, sending signals with such identified gate direction of motion to said main board micro-controller.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein said main board gate direction sensor, and operation thereof, serve as a validation or confirmation mechanism used by said main board micro-controller, for validating or confirming, in a continuous manner, said direction of said rightward sliding or said leftward sliding motions of the gate, as part of determining, and then instructing, whether to facilitate rightward closing, or leftward opening, of the gate.

19. The system of claim 13, wherein said main board assembly further includes: an optional main board alarm, operatively connected to, and in communication with, said main board micro-controller, and configured for becoming activated for generating an alarm or warning signal indicating obstacle detection.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein, via instruction of said main board micro-controller, said alarm or warning signal is wirelessly sent, via said main board transceiver, to one or more local or/and remote shutter status notification receiving devices.

21. The system of claim 13, wherein said gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement has a configuration with a shape and size, and dimensions being same as, or similar to, configuration shape and size, and dimensions of said gate rightmost side vertical end bar or strut.

22. The system of claim 13, wherein said gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement is made of a material selected from the group consisting of metallic materials, non-metallic materials, composite types of materials, and combinations thereof.

23. The system of claim 13, wherein, via said implementation of the system, said gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement is moveably or flexibly attached, in a spring-like manner, to said gate rightmost side vertical end bar or strut, via at least one spring-like elastic connecting member.

24. The system of claim 13, wherein said gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement is moveably or flexibly attached, in a spring-like manner, to said gate rightmost side vertical end bar or strut, via two spring-like elastic connecting members, being a first spring-like elastic member, and a second spring-like connecting member.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein said first spring-like elastic connecting member is configured for moveably or flexibly attaching, in a spring-like manner, a top portion of said gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement to a top portion of said gate rightmost side vertical end bar or strut, and said second spring-like elastic connecting member is configured for moveably or flexibly attaching, in a spring-like manner, a bottom portion of said gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement to a bottom portion of said gate rightmost side vertical end bar or strut.

26. The system of claim 23, wherein said spring-like elastic connecting member is made or constructed from spring-like elastic, or spring-like elastic providing, connecting assemblies or elements, including spring-mounted screws, spring-mounted nails, spring-mounted bolts, spring -mounted bars or rods.

27. The system of claim 25, wherein said gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement is moveably or flexibly attachable, in a spring-like manner, to said gate rightmost side vertical end bar or strut, via said first and second spring-like elastic connecting members, in a manner, such that a reversibly variable horizontal distance spans in between a right side of said gate rightmost side vertical end bar or strut and a left side of said gate rightmost side bar sensor holding supplement.

28. The system of claim 27, wherein said reversibly variable horizontal distance has a reversibly variable magnitude in a range of between one centimeter and fifty centimeters.

29. The system of claim 13, wherein each one of said top portion and said bottom portion gate rightmost side bar sensor modules includes: (i) a sensor module micro-controller; (ii) a sensor module transceiver, operatively connected to, and in communication with, said sensor module micro-controller, and wirelessly communicable with said main board transceiver; (iii) two sensor module reed switches, with each one operatively connected to, and in communication with, said sensor module micro -controller; and (iv) a sensor module power supply, operatively connected to said sensor module components (i) - (iii).

30. The system of claim 29, wherein, said two sensor module reed switches includes a sensor module first reed switch operatively connected to, and in communication with, said sensor module micro-controller, and also being magnetically communicable with said top portion gate rightmost end bar magnetic assembly, and a sensor module second reed switch operatively connected to, and in communication with, said sensor module micro-controller, and also being magnetically communicable with said bottom portion gate right side closing boundary magnetic assembly.