Novel door opening assemblies and processes relating thereto

Abstract

A door opening system that includes: (i) a rotational displacement subassembly (ii) an arm, coupled to the rotational displacement subassembly (iii) one or more sensors that measure a magnitude of displacement and / or a charge displacement associated with the magnitude of displacement of the rotational displacement subassembly; and (iv) a processor that determines if an acceleration, commensurate with changes in said magnitude of displacement as a function of time, and / or a rate of change of current as a function of time is greater than or equal to a predetermined acceleration and / or predetermined rate of change of current as a function of time, the processor instructs the rotational displacement subassembly to reverse direction of displacement and / or cease displacement in the one direction and thereby preventing the arm from carrying out the door opening action.

Description

NOVEL DOOR OPENING ASSEMBLIES AND PROCESSES RELATING THERETOFIELD

[0001] The present teachings generally relate to novel door opening assemblies and processes relating thereto. More particularly, the present teachings relate to improved door opening assemblies and processes relating thereto that use a movement-enabling component to automatically open a door without manual intervention.BACKGROUND

[0002] People, without a disability, typically open by applying a force to displace the doors and gates towards / away from their respective door frames and gate frames. Individuals with a disability (e.g., a person relying on a wheelchair for movement), however, may not be capable of applying a requisite force to open doors. Such individuals need assistance to carry out the open action for entry into / exit from a room or a confined space.

[0003] What is, therefore, needed are novel solutions for effectively opening doors for handicapped individuals.SUMMARY

[0004] To this end, the present arrangements and teachings provide improved door opening assemblies (hereinafter referred to as “door opening assemblies”) and methods relating thereto. The systems and methods of the present arrangements and teachings allow rotational displacement of doors away from a receiving structure. Opposite to the receiving structure is a supporting structure that facilitates support of the door.

[0005] In one aspect, the present arrangements provide door opening assemblies. An exemplar of such door opening assemblies includes: (i) a rotational displacement subassembly capable of displacement in one or more directions; (ii) an arm, coupled to the rotational displacement subassembly, such that when a portion of the rotational displacement subassembly undergoes rotational movement in one direction, the arm also rotates in the same direction, and wherein the arm is designed to contact a door and carry out a door opening action; (iii) one or more sensors, disposed near or on the rotational displacement subassembly, that measures a magnitude of displacement in one or more the directions and / or a charge displacement associated with themagnitude of displacement of the rotational displacement subassembly; and (iv) a processor, communicatively coupled to each of the one or more sensors and the rotational displacement subassembly. The processor determines, based on the magnitude of displacement, an acceleration corresponding to or commensurate with changes in said magnitude of displacement as a function of time and / or, based on the charge displacement, a rate of change of current as a function of time corresponding to or commensurate with changes in the charge displacement as a function to time. The acceleration, in one embodiment of the present arrangements, is an angular acceleration and / or a linear acceleration of the rotational displacement subassembly

[0006] If the acceleration and / or the rate of change of current as a function of time is greater than or equal to a predetermined acceleration and / or predetermined rate of change of current as a function of time, the processor instructs the rotational displacement subassembly to reverse direction of displacement and / or cease displacement in the one direction and thereby preventing the arm from carrying out the door opening action.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present arrangements, one or more of the sensors measures a magnitude of linear and / or angular displacement of the rotational displacement subassembly in one or more of the directions. In another embodiment of the present arrangements, one or more of the sensors measures the charge displacement of a motor associated with the magnitude of displacement of the rotational displacement subassembly.

[0008] The rotational displacement subassembly, in another embodiment of the present arrangements, includes a pinion having a central region and a perimeter region, wherein the arm is coupled, at the central region, to the pinion and the perimeter region includes a pinion engaging feature.

[0009] The rotational displacement subassembly, in yet another embodiment further includes: a rod and an actuator. The includes a first rod end that is capable of linear movement and a second rod end having disposed thereon a rack engaging feature that engages with the pinion engaging feature. The actuator, coupled to the first rod end, bidirectionally moves the first rod end in a linear direction between an extended position and a retracted position such that the rack engaging feature also moves in the same linear direction.

[0010] The first rod end, in one embodiment of the present arrangements, is in the retracted position, and the actuator, in one operative state of the door opening assembly, moves the first rod end from the retracted position to the extended position thereby causing rotational movementof the pinion in the one direction (e.g., a clockwise direction) and causing the arm to carry out the door opening action.

[0011] The first rod end, in another embodiment of the present arrangements, is in the extended position, and the actuator, in another operative state of the door opening assembly, moves the first rod end from the extended position to the retracted position thereby causing rotational movement of the pinion in another direction (e.g., counterclockwise direction) and causing the arm to carry out the door opening action, wherein the an another direction is a direction that is reverse from the one direction.

[0012] The door opening assembly, in yet another embodiment of the present arrangements includes a first contact surface, a second contact surface, and a coupler. The first contact surface is coupled to the pinion. Rotational movement of the rotation displacement subassembly generates an imparting torque at the first contact surface. The second contact surface is coupled to the arm. The coupler, couples the first contact surface to the second contact surface, such that an imparting torque received at the first contact surface is restricted by presence of the coupler to produce a restricted torque at the second contact surface that is conveyed to the arm.

[0013] In one aspect of the present arrangements, upon receiving, at the arm, an external force not resulting from the rotational displacement subassembly, the arm generates an opposing torque effective in a direction that is opposite to the imparting torque. In the presence of an opposing torque that is equal to or greater than the restricted torque, the second surface decouples from the first surface such that the arm does not undergo the rotational movement or rotates in the direction that is reverse to the rotational movement. The external force may be produced by presence of an impediment to rotational movement in one direction to carry out the door opening action.

[0014] The door opening assembly, in another aspect of the present arrangements, includes one or more springs that generate a spring force between the first contact surface and the coupler and / or the second contact surface and the coupler. The imparting torque received at the first contact surface is restricted by presence of the spring force between the first contact surface and the coupler and / or the spring force between the second contact surface and the coupler, to produce the restricted torque at the second contact surface.

[0015] The door opening assembly, in one embodiment of the present arrangements, includes a compression adjustment fastener to increase or decrease the spring force between the first contact surface and the coupler and / or the second contact surface and the coupler.

[0016] In yet another aspect of the present arrangements, the door opening assembly includes a dampener assembly that exerts a first restoring force and a second restoring force on a portion of rotational displacement subassembly disposed within the housing cavity. Preferably the dampener assembly is coupled to and disposed within a housing cavity.

[0017] Upon receiving at the arm an external force, not resulting from the rotational displacement subassembly, that is greater than the first restoring force or the second restoring force, the arm generates an opposing torque on the rotational displacement subassembly. The dampener assembly enables a portion of the rotational displacement subassembly to move in the reverse direction of displacement to reduce and / or eliminate the opposing torque. Upon removal of the external force, the first restoring force and / or the second restoring force returns the portion of the rotational displacement subassembly to a position prior to movement in the reverse direction of displacement.

[0018] The dampener assembly, in one embodiment of the present arrangements, includes a first compression spring that exerts the first restoring force on the rotational displacement subassembly and a second compression spring that exerts the second restoring force on the rotational displacement subassembly.

[0019] The dampener assembly, in one embodiment of the present arrangements, further incudes a first dampening coupler and a second dampening coupler. The first dampening coupler couples the rotational displacement subassembly to the housing, and includes a first compression spring that exerts the first restoring force in a linear direction. The second dampening coupler couples the rotational displacement subassembly to the housing, and includes a second compression spring, which is substantially parallel to the first coupler, that exerts a second restoring force in an opposing linear direction that is opposite of the first restoring force.

[0020] One or more sensors, in one implementation of the present arrangements, measures the portion of the rotational movement subassembly moving in the reverse direction of displacement, resulting from the dampener assembly. If the acceleration is greater than or equal to a predetermined acceleration, the processor instructs the rotational displacement subassembly toreverse direction of displacement and / or cease displacement in the one direction and thereby preventing the arm from carrying out the door opening action.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present arrangements, the arm is not secured to the door such that, during a non-operative state of the door opening assembly, and in the presence of another type of external opening force acting upon the door, the door moves from a closed position to an open position independently of the arm.

[0022] The door opening assembly, in one embodiment of the present arrangements, includes a wheel coupled, at a wheel axis of rotation, to the arm. A portion of the wheel is designed to contact the door and, when the arm undergoes rotational movement, the wheel contacts the door and the wheel rotates around the wheel axis.

[0023] The door opening assembly, in another embodiment of the present arrangements, further includes a signal receiver for receiving, from an auxiliary device, a signal to move the rotational displacement subassembly rotational one direction to carry out the door opening action. The receiver may receive the signal via a wired and / or wireless connection with the auxiliary device.

[0024] The door opening assembly, in another embodiment of the present arrangements, further includes one or more door opening direction switches that, when engaged, reverses rotational movement of the rotational displacement subassembly.

[0025] In another aspect, the present teachings also provide methods for operating a door opening assembly. In implementation of the present teachings, the method includes: (i) receiving, at a processor, an opening signal; (ii) activating, using the processor, a rotational displacement subassembly to generate an imparting torque such that a portion of the rotational displacement subassembly undergoes rotational movement in one direction; (iii) displacing an arm, coupled to the rotational displacement subassembly, using the imparting torque such that the arm undergoes rotational movement in the same direction, contacts a door, and carries out a door opening action; (iv) measuring, using one or more displacement sensors disposed near or on the rotational displacement subassembly, a magnitude of displacement in one or more directions and / or a charge displacement associated with the magnitude of displacement of the rotational displacement subassembly; (v) determining, using the processor and based on the magnitude of displacement, an acceleration corresponding to or commensurate with changes in said magnitude of displacement as a function of time and / or, based on the charge displacement, a rate of change of current as a function of time corresponding to or commensurate with changes in the chargedisplacement as a function to time; and (vii) instructing, using the processor, the rotational displacement subassembly to reverse direction if the value of acceleration and / or the value of rate of change of current as a function of time is greater than or equal to a predetermined acceleration and / or predetermined rate of change of current as a function of time and thereby preventing the arm from carrying out the door opening action.

[0026] The measuring element, in one aspect of the present teachings, includes measuring a magnitude of linear and / or angular displacement of the rotational displacement subassembly in one or more of the directions.

[0027] The determining element, in another aspect of the present teachings, includes calculating an angular acceleration and / or a linear acceleration of the rotational displacement subassembly.

[0028] The element of activating the rotational displacement subassembly, in one implementation of the present teachings, further includes an element of engaging an actuator such that a first rod end of a rod, coupled to the actuator, undergoes, in one operational state of the door opening assembly to move the door that rotates about a hinged edge in a counterclockwise direction, linear displacement from an extended position to a retracted position or, in another operational state of the door opening assembly to move the door that pivots about a hinged edge in a clockwise direction, linear displacement from the retracted position to the extended position

[0029] Another element includes rotationally displacing a pinion, engaged with a second rod end of the rod, such that the linear displacement of the rod causes the rotational displacement of the pinion and wherein, in the one operative state of the door opening assembly, the first rod end causes rotational displacement of the pinion in a counterclockwise direction and in the another operative state the first rod end causes rotational displacement of the pinion in a clockwise direction.

[0030] Following the element of rotationally displacing the pinion, another element includes rotationally moving the arm, having a first arm end coupled to the pinion, in the same rotational direction as the pinion such that in the one operative state the first arm end rotates in the clockwise direction, and in the another operative state, the first arm end rotates in the counterclockwise direction.

[0031] A contacting element is carried out following the rotationally moving the arm element. The contacting element includes contacting, at a second arm end, the door such that the rotational displacement of the arm causes the door opening action to move the door.

[0032] In one embodiment of the present teachings, the method of operating a door opening assembly of claim 21, further includes receiving, at the arm, an external force not resulting from the rotational displacement subassembly and translating the external force, received at the arm, to an opposing torque operating on at least a portion of the rotational displacement subassembly and in a direction opposite from an imparting torque generated by the rotational displacement subassembly. If the magnitude of the opposing torque is greater than the imparting torque, displacing, using one or more dampening apparatuses, at least a portion of rotational displacement subassembly to reduce or eliminate the opposing torque.

[0033] In one embodiment of the present teachings, the method of operating a door opening assembly of claim 25, further incudes: (a) rotating, using the portion of the rotational displacement subassembly that undergoes rotational movement in one direction, a first contact surface; (b) generating the imparting torque on the first contact surface; (c) coupling, using a coupler, the first contact surface and a second contact surface, which is coupled to the arm; (d) restricting, using the coupler, the imparting torque of the first contact surface to produce a restricted torque at the second contact surface; (e) translating the restricted torque to the arm; and in the presence of the opposing torque that is equal to or greater than the restricted torque, (f) decoupling the first contact surface from the second contact surface such that the portion of the rotational displacement subassembly continues to undergo rotational movement in one direction and the arm does not rotate or rotates in a direction opposite of the portion of the rotational displacement subassembly continues to undergo rotational movement.

[0034] In yet another aspect, the present teachings also provide methods of installing a door opening assembly. In one implementation of the present teachings, the method incudes obtaining a door opening assembly that includes a processor, to a rotational displacement subassembly, and an arm. The processor is coupled to a rotational displacement subassembly, a portion of which undergoes rotational movement in one or more directions. The arm is coupled to and rotates, in the same rotational direction as the portion of the rotational displacement subassembly and is designed to contact a door and carry out a door opening action.

[0035] The exemplar method of installing a door opening assembly also includes a securing element that secures the door opening assembly above a door, coupled to a door frame using one or more hinges, such a first arm end and the portion of the rotational displacement subassembly which undergoes rotational movement are adjacent to a proximate end of the door and a second arm end is adjacent to a distal end of the door. When the arm carries out the door opening action, the second arm end contacts the door and rotates the door along the hinged edge in the same rotational direction as the arm; and

[0036] The exemplar method of installing a door opening assembly the carries out receiving, at the processor, an opening signal that corresponds to a desired rotational displacement direction (e. ., clockwise) of the portion of the rotational displacement subassembly that undergoes rotational movement to enable the arm to rotate in the same direction as the door rotating along the hinged edge and carry out the door opening action; and

[0037] Next, the exemplar method proceeds to recording, to memory, the desired rotational displacement direction. Thus, when the processor receives the opening signal, the processor instructs the rotational displacement subassembly to rotate the portion of the rotational displacement subassembly that undergoes rotational movement in the desired rotational displacement direction.

[0038] In one embodiment of the present teachings, the method installing a door opening assembly further includes: (a) decoupling the arm from the rotational displacement subassembly to produce a decupled arm; (b) moving, using the processor and the desired rotational displacement direction stored in memory, the rotational displacement subassembly to a predefined open position; (c) positioning the decoupled arm to be adjacent to the door; (d) coupling the decouple arm to the rotational displacement subassembly; and (e) receiving, at the processor, another opening signal that corresponds to another desired rotational displacement direction of the portion of the rotational displacement subassembly that undergoes rotational movement; and (f) recording, to memory, the another desired rotational displacement direction. When the processor receives another opening signal, the processor instructs the rotational displacement subassembly to rotate in the another desired rotational displacement direction.

[0039] In the moving element, moving the rotational displacement subassembly to the predetermined position further includes activating an actuator such that a first rod end, coupled to the actuator, undergoes, in one operational state of the door opening assembly, lineardisplacement from an extended position to a retracted position and a second rod end, having disposed thereon a rack engaging feature, engages with perimeter region of a pinion causing the pinion to rotate in the another desired rotational direction. In another operational state of the door opening assembly, activating an actuator results in linear displacement of the first rod end from the retracted position to the extended position and a second rod end causes the pinion to rotate in the another desired rotational direction.

[0040] In the coupling element, in one embodiment of the present teachings, includes the decoupled arm is substantially parallel to the door when the decoupled arm is coupled to the rotational displacement subassembly

[0041] The exemplar method of installing the door opening assembly further includes receiving, at the processor, an opening angle signal to increase or decrease an opening angle of the arm for increasing or decreasing the door opening angle between the door closed position and the door open position and storing, into memory, the desired open angle.

[0042] The exemplar method of installing the door opening assembly further includes:(a) receiving, at the processor, a push pad syncing signal to sync a push pad to the door opening assembly; (b) identifying, at the processor, a push pad signal; (c) syncing the push pad to the door opening assembly such that any door opening signal transmitted by the push pad is received by the processor of the door opening assembly.

[0043] The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following descriptions of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying figures.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a door opening system, according to one embodiment of the present arrangements, secured to a doorframe and that angularly displaces, using hinges that are coupled to the doorframe and a door, the door in a clockwise direction.

[0045] Figure 2 shows a top view of a door opening system, according to one embodiment of the present arrangements, that includes an arm, a rotational displacement component, and a rotational sensor that regulates, using a processor, rotational displacement component to impede or stop angular displacement of the door.

[0046] Figure 3 shows a door opening system, according to another embodiment of the present arrangements, wherein the rotational displacement component includes an actuator, a rack, and a pinion, and wherein when the pinion undergoes rotational movement in one direction, the arm, which is coupled to the pinion, undergoes rotational movement in the same direction as the pinion.

[0047] Figure 4 shows a spring dampening apparatus, according to one embodiment of the present teachings, that is coupled to the rotational displacement subassembly and allows for linear displacement of the rotational displacement subassembly when the rotational displacement subassembly receives an opposing torque.

[0048] Figure 5A shows the door opening system, according to one embodiment of the present arrangements, wherein a first securing surface of the door opening assembly is coupled to a doorframe and the actuator moves the rod from a retracted position to an extended position, the pinion, which is coupled to the rod, rotates in clockwise direction, thus causing the arm to also rotation in a clockwise direction to carry out a door opening action.

[0049] Figure 5B shows the door opening system, according to another embodiment of the present arrangements, wherein a second securing surface of the door opening assembly is coupled to a doorframe and the actuator moves the rod from an extended position to a retracted position, the pinion, which is coupled to the rod, rotates in counterclockwise direction, thus causing the arm to also rotation in a counterclockwise direction to carry out a door opening action.

[0050] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a rotational displacement subassembly, according to one embodiment of the present arrangements.

[0051] Figure 7A shows a detent subassembly, according to one embodiment of the present arrangements, that couples and decouples the arm from the rotational displacement subassembly.

[0052] Figure 7B shows a side profile view of the detent subassembly of Figure 7A.

[0053] Figure 8 shows a door opening assembly display, according to one embodiment of the present arrangements.

[0054] Figure 9 shows a schematic of the door opening assembly according to one embodiment of the present arrangements.

[0055] Figure 10 shows a flowchart detailing steps for a method, according to one embodiment of the present teachings, for ceasing displacement or reversing the direction of displacement of a door around hinges in the presence of an opposing force against the door.

[0056] Figure 11 shows a flowchart detailing steps for a method, according to one embodiment of the present teachings, for installing a door opening assembly to a door frame.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0057] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present teachings and arrangements. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present teachings and arrangements may be practiced without limitation to some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well-known process steps have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present teachings and arrangements.

[0058] The present arrangements and teachings relate to door opening assemblies and methods relating thereto. The door opening assemblies enable displacement of doors, such as doors and gates, during an opening motion. In the example of a door, the present door opening assemblies and methods allow for automatic door opening. Such systems and methods are desired in many applications, but particularly in those where the interacting individual is disabled or her / his body parts (e.g., hands) are not able to open the door. As such, the door opening assemblies of the present arrangements allow the door to work in a conventional manner but provide automatic door opening when needed. By way of example, an individual may conventionally open the door by exerting a force on the door, such as pulling on a handle or door knob, to rotate and open the door. However, when needed, the door opening assemblies of the present arrangements automatically opens the door absent the force extorted by the individual.

[0059] Typically, a door opens and / or closes as it pivots around hinges along a hinged edge, which couples the door (at a hinge end of the door which is herein also referred to as a “proximate end” of the door) to a supporting structure. The supporting structure is part of a doorframe that is at least partially disposed around the door. According to the present arrangements, the doorframe design need not necessarily but may represent a unitary structure that includes a receiving structure that is disposed on the opposite side of the supporting structure. Thus, in this arrangement, the door is disposed between the supporting structure andthe receiving structure. In an operational state of the door opening assemblies, the door rotationally rotates or pivots in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction such that a far end (herein also referred to as a “distal end”) of the door displaces away from the receiving structure, to open the door (relative to the door frame).

[0060] The present teachings recognize that doors, in many residential, commercial, and industrial settings, open in one direction, and do not open bidirectionally. By way of example, door hinges allow the door to move or pivot in one rotational direction (e.g., clockwise) to open the door, but not in an opposing rotational direction (e.g., counterclockwise). The door opening assemblies of the present arrangements may be used with a door that rotates in a clockwise direction or counterclockwise direction.

[0061] The present teachings also recognize that, during a door opening motion using conventional door opening assemblies, when a significant external force obstructs the door (e.g, the door runs into an individual, someone kicks the door, or an object impedes or blocks the opening and / or closing motion door), a gear motor, among other components of the door opening system, may be stressed and / or damaged. In the absence of any safety provisions, the gear motor, for example, is forced to suddenly generate a reduced rate of rotational motion, or the gear motor stalls, which overheats the motor, causing it to bum out. Moreover, if safety provisions are not in place, a door moving in an opening motion may hit and cause injury to a person or animal.

[0062] However, the present arrangements described below, incorporate novel safety systems (e.g, one or more sensors that measure a magnitude of displacement in one or more directions and / or a charge associated with the magnitude of displacement of the rotational displacement subassembly and one or more springs that couple the rotational displacement subassembly to a housing of the hinged-door opening system, and ) that, among other things, prevent or reduce damage to component of the door opening system. According to the present arrangements, a damaging external force received at the door is conveyed, via the arm, to a rotational displacement subassembly which generates an opposing torque. The rotational displacement subassembly’s opposing torque is effective in a direction opposite to the rotational displacement subassembly’s imparting torque. When the opposing torque causes an acceleration, corresponding to or commensurate with changes in the magnitude of displacement as a function of time, and / or, a rate of change of current as a function of time, corresponding to or commensurate with changes in the charge displacement as a function to time, that is greater thanor equal to a predetermined acceleration and / or predetermined rate of change of current as a function of time, the rotational displacement subassembly reverses its direction of displacement or ceases displacement. Thus, the present arrangements and methods, not only allow for effective door opening motion, but also include provisions to safeguard against damaging external forces received during the door opening motion and protect individuals and / or animals hit the door during the opening motion.

[0063] Although the above advantages and features are described in the context of a door, these equally extend to the example of a gate and a door of any type. As a result, the gate frames, door frames, gate opening and closing systems and methods, and door opening assemblies and methods also enjoy the advantages described herein.

[0064] By way of example, Figure 1 shows a door opening assembly 100, according to one embodiment of the present arrangements, that enables movement of a door 102 thereby allowing a user to travel from one side of a wall opening to the other side of the wall opening. Door 102, which includes a proximate end 103 and a distal end 101, is disposed between a supporting structure 104 and a receiving structure 105. Together, supporting structure 104 and receiving structure 105 form a door frame 106 that at least partially surrounds door 102 and defines an opening that receives door 102. One or more hinges 108 are coupled to both supporting structure 104 and proximate end 103 of door 102 and allow displacement of distal end 101 of door 102 relative to receiving structure 105. In other words, door 102 rotates about an axis of rotation that extends through one or more hinges 108 to at least partially open or close the opening defined by supporting structure 104 and receiving structure 105.

[0065] To enable rotational displacement of door 102, door opening assembly 100 is preferably coupled to door frame 106, above door 102, and between supporting structure 104 and the receiving structure 105. At least a portion of door opening assembly 100, during one operational state of door opening assembly 100, contacts door 102 to enable displacement of distal end 101 of door 102 relative to receiving structure 105. Door 102, as shown in Figure 1, rotationally rotates or pivots in a clockwise direction. In a preferred embodiment of the present arrangements, door opening assembly 100 uses two or more hinges 108 to affect the door opening motion.

[0066] The present teachings and arrangements recognize that doors used in some residential, commercial, and industrial settings may rotate in a clockwise direction, as shown in Figure 1, or a counterclockwise direction (e. , door 504 of Figure 5B rotates in a counterclockwisedirection), depending on which side of door 102 one or more hinges 108 couple door 102 to the door frame 106. A benefit of door opening assembly 100, among many, is that door opening assembly 100 may be configured to open clockwise opening door 102 or counterclockwise opening door 102, eliminating a need to buy separate door openers for clockwise opening doors and counterclockwise opening doors. Furthermore, if an existing clockwise opening door 102 is removed from door frame 106, and replaced with a counterclockwise opening door 102, door opening assembly 100 may be reconfigured to open door 102 in the counterclockwise direction. Similarly, door opening assembly 100 may be reconfigured to open door 102 in the clockwise direction if a clockwise opening door 102 replaces a counterclockwise opening door 102.

[0067] In yet another embodiment of the present arrangements, a closing mechanism (not shown) is coupled to door frame 106 and door 102. If distal end 101 of door 102 is displaced away from receiving structure 105, the closing mechanism generates a closing force and / or closing torque against door 102 to return distal end 101 to a linear plane that is substantially the same as a linear plane of receiving structure 105 (which is herein referred to as the “door closed position”). The closing mechanism may be any mechanism that returns distal end 101 to the door closed position. By way of example, the closing mechanism is a spring hinge, a hydraulic door closer, or a torsion spring.

[0068] Figure 2 shows a door opening, according to one embodiment of the present arrangements, that is substantially similar to door opening assembly 100 of Figure 1. Door opening assembly 200 includes a door opening assembly housing 210 (hereinafter referred to as “housing”), an arm 212, a rotational displacement subassembly 214, and one or more displacement sensors 216.

[0069] Rotational displacement subassembly 214 is capable of displacement in one or more directions and at least a portion of rotational displacement subassembly 214 undergoes rotational movement (i.e., counterclockwise or counterclockwise). Arm 212 is coupled to rotational displacement subassembly 214 and, when at least a portion of rotational displacement subassembly 214 undergoes rotational movement, arm 212 also undergoes rotational movement in the same direction.

[0070] The portion of rotational displacement subassembly 214 undergoes rotation from a closed position until reaching a predefined open position. As arm 212 rotates, arm wheel 224 contacts and exerts a force on a door (e.g., door 102 of Figure 1) to produce a door opening action thatopens the door. In other words, the door opening action causes the door to move in the same rotational direction as arm 212, thus displacing a distal end of the door relative to a receiving structure. A corresponding arm open position may be any arm position that displaces the door from the door frame. The arm open position may be defined by an opening angle of arm 212, which may be adjusted to increase or decrease as desired. In one embodiment of the present arrangements, the opening angle of the arm is about 120 degrees.

[0071] One or more displacement sensors 216, disposed near or on rotational displacement subassembly 214, measure the displacement of a portion of rotational displacement subassembly. In one embodiment of the present arrangements, displacement information measured by one or more displacement sensors 216 is a magnitude of displacement of rotational displacement subassembly 214 in one or more directions. The magnitude of displacement in one or more of the directions, measured by one or more displacement sensors 216, is the magnitude of linear and / or angular displacement of rotational displacement subassembly 214. By way of example, in one embodiment of the present arrangements, rotational displacement subassembly 214 includes an actuator (e.g., actuator 340 of Figure 3) that extends and retracts a rod (e.g., rod 336 of Figure 3.). One or more displacement sensors 216 disposed on or near the rod may measure displacement of the rod during rod retraction or rod extension. By way of another example, rotational displacement subassembly 214 includes a pinion (e.g., pinion 330 of Figure 3) that undergoes rotational displacement. One or more displacement sensors 216 disposed on or near the pinion may measure rotational or angular displacement of the pinion.

[0072] In another embodiment of the present arrangements, displacement information measured by one or more displacement sensors 216 is a charge displacement associated with the magnitude of displacement of rotational displacement subassembly 214 in one or more of the directions. By way of example, one or more displacement sensors 216 measures charge to a motor that is coupled to and causes displacement of rotational displacement subassembly 214. In another embodiment of the present arrangements, displacement information measured by one or more displacement sensors 216 is a current (i.e., a change of charge over time) associated with the magnitude of displacement of rotational displacement subassembly 214 in one or more of the directions. By way of example, one or more displacement sensors 216 measures current to a motor that causes displacement of rotational displacement subassembly 214.

[0073] One or more displacement sensors 216are communicatively coupled, through control board 219, to processor 218. As will be explained in greater detail below, processor 218 determines, based on the magnitude of displacement received from one or more displacement sensors 216, an acceleration of rotational displacement subassembly 214. Processor 218 may also determine, based on the charge displacement measurement from one or more displacement sensors 216, a rate of change of current as a function of time.

[0074] Preferably, rotational displacement subassembly 214, one or more displacement sensors 216, and processor 218 are at least partially disposed in housing 210 to protect them from environmental contaminants and damage during transportation, installation, and operation. Housing 210 includes at least two exterior surfaces, a first securing surface 220 and a second securing surface 222, which is substantially parallel to and on an opposing surface as first securing surface 220. During installation of door opening assembly 200, first securing surface 220 or a second securing surface 222 is adjacent to a doorframe when door opening assembly 200 is secured to the doorframe.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment of the present arrangements, arm 212 is not secured to the door such that, during a non-operative state of door opening assembly 200, and in presence of an external opening force acting upon the door, the door moves from a door closed position to a door open position independently of arm 212.

[0076] Figure 3 shows a door opening assembly 300, according to one embodiment of the present arrangements, that is substantially similar to door opening assembly 200 of Figure 2. Door opening assembly 300 includes a housing 310, an arm 312, one or more displacement sensors 316, and a rotational displacement subassembly 314, which includes an actuator 340, a rod 336, a rack engaging feature 334, and a pinion 330. Housing 310, arm 312, one or more displacement sensors 316, and processor 318 are substantially similar to their counterparts in Figure 2 (i.e., housing 210, arm 212, one or more displacement sensors 216, and processor 218, respectively).

[0077] Pinion 330 includes a central region 333 and a perimeter region that includes a pinion engaging feature 332. One end of shaft 331 is coupled to a first arm end 311 of arm 312. Another end of shaft 331 is coupled to central region 333 of pinion 330. Thus, a rotational movement of pinion 330 in one direction is transferred, through shaft 331, to arm 312, causing arm 312 to undergo rotational movement in the same direction as pinion 330.

[0078] Rod 336 includes a first rod end that is capable of linear movement. A second rod end that has disposed thereon rack engaging feature 334 that engages with pinion engaging feature 332. Rack engaging feature 334 and pinion engaging feature 332 may be any feature that couples rod 336 to pinion 330 and translates linear movement of the rod, from the first rod end, into rotational movement of pinion 330. Preferably, rack engaging feature 334 and pinion engaging feature 332 are teeth or cogs that, when meshed, moveably couples pinion 330 to rod 336.

[0079] A rod coupler 338 couples actuator 340 to the first rod end of rod 336. Actuator 340 displaces the first rod end in a linear direction between an extended position and a retracted position such that rack engaging feature 334 also moves in the same linear direction.

[0080] During an operational state of rotational displacement subassembly 314, the linear movement of rack engaging feature 334 conveys an imparting force on pinion 330 and arm 312, which is coupled to pinion 330. The imparting force generates an imparting torque, which causes rotational displacement of arm 312. Thus, the linear movement rack of engaging feature 334 is converted to rotational movement, through pinion 330, of arm 312. In one embodiment of the present arrangements, the rotational movement of arm 312 causes a second arm end 313 to exert a force on a door (e.g.. door 102 of Figure 1) to produce a door opening action that opens the door. In another embodiment of the present arrangements, the imparting torque returns arm 312 to a position where arm 312 is not engaging with the door.

[0081] One or more displacement sensors 316, in one embodiment of the present arrangements, is disposed on or adjacent to shaft 331. The present arrangements, however, are not so limited. By way of example one or more sensors may also be disposed on or adjacent to arm 312, pinion 330, rack engaging feature 334, rod 336, and / or rod coupler 338.

[0082] Actuator 340 may be any component that moves the first rod end of rod 336 in a linear direction. Actuator 340 may be a component selected from a group comprising linear actuator, hydraulic actuator, pneumatic actuator, electric actuator, mechanical actuator, thermal actuator, and magnetic actuator.

[0083] While the embodiment described above utilizes actuator 340, rod 336, and rack engaging feature 334 to rotate pinion 330, the present teachings recognize that other mechanisms may be implemented into door opening assembly 300 to rotate pinion 330. By way of example, pinion 330 is coupled to a gear that is driven by a DC or AC gear motor. The gear may be a worm gear, a helical gear, or a spur gear.

[0084] On one embodiment of the present arrangements, rotational displacement subassembly 314 is secured to housing 310. By way of example, actuator 340 is secured to one or more internal sidewalls of housing 310 to inhibit lateral and / or vertical movement of rotational displacement subassembly 314 within a housing cavity of housing 310.

[0085] The present arrangements and teachings recognize that when a door receives an external force that does not result from door opening assembly 300 (z.e., an external force that is not the arm pushing against the door), arm 312 generates an opposing torque on at least a portion of rotational displacement subassembly 314. By way of example, if the rotational motion of the pinion 330 and arm 312 rotate clockwise to carry out a door opening action, the external force, and resulting opposing torque, is in a reverse direction of displacement, i.e., a counterclockwise direction. By way of another example, if pinion 330 and arm 312 are not rotating, but have reached a predefined open position. The external force, and resulting opposing torque, is in a reverse direction of displacement that moved pinion 330 and arm 312 to a predefined open position.

[0086] The opposing torque may also be transferred, through pinion 330, to rod 336. The opposing torque on rod 336 generates an opposing rod force in a lateral direction in an opposite direction of the force an actuator 340 applies to rod 336.

[0087] Absent a dampener assembly, the resulting opposing torque, or a combination of the opposing torque and an imparting torque generated by actuator 350, may cause an immediate failure of one or more components of the door opening assembly (e.g, the arm 312, pinion 330, pinion engaging feature 332, rack engaging feature 334, rod 336, and / or rod coupler 338) or create fatigue in one or more of the components that, in accumulation, leads to failure.

[0088] To remediate potential harm caused by the opposing torque and / or opposing rod force, door opening assembly 300 of the present arrangements include a dampener assembly 339 that exerts a dampening torque and / or a dampening force on a portion of rotational displacement subassembly 314. When the opposing torque exceed the dampening torque and / or the opposing force exceeds the dampening force, dampener assembly 339 enables lateral and / or rotational displacement of a portion of the rotational displacement subassembly 314 in a reverse direction, which reduces potential damage to door opening assembly 300. By way of example, if the opposing torque is greater than a dampening torque, dampener assembly 339 may allow pinion 330 in the move in a reverse direction of displacement. By way of another example, if theopposing rod force on rod 336 is greater than the dampening force, the dampener assembly may allow rod 336 to move in a reverse lateral direction, i.e., a lateral direction that is opposite to the lateral direction caused by actuator 340.

[0089] Dampener assembly 339 may also exert a first restoring force and a second restoring force on a portion of rotational displacement subassembly 314. Upon removal of the external force, the first restoring force and / or the second restoring force returns or displaces the portion of rotational displacement subassembly 314 to a position prior to movement in the reverse direction of displacement.

[0090] In one embodiment of the present arrangements, dampener assembly 339 includes a first compression spring and a second compression spring, each of which exert a dampening torque and / or a dampening force on a portion of rotational displacement subassembly 314 and enables displacement a portion of rotational displacement subassembly 314 in the reverse direction. By way of example, the first compression spring enables reverse displacement of a portion of the rotational displacement subassembly in a clockwise direction and the second compression spring enables reverse displacement of a portion of the rotational displacement subassembly in a counterclockwise direction. Moreover, the first compression spring exerts the first restoring force on the rotational displacement subassembly 314 and a second compression spring exerts the second restoring force on rotational displacement subassembly 314.

[0091] Dampener assembly 339 of door opening assembly 300 of Figure 3, according to one embodiment of the present arrangements, includes a spring dampening apparatus 342 having a first compression spring and a second spring dampening apparatus 344 having second compression spring. Together, first spring dampening apparatus 342 and second spring dampening apparatus 344 allow actuator 340, and rod 336, to move in two reverse lateral directions of displacement.

[0092] By way of example, if door opening assembly 300 is configured to displace a door that rotates or pivots in a clockwise direction (e.g., door 502 of Figure 5 A), an external force may cause an opposing rod force and / or rod movement in a reverse lateral direction towards first spring dampening apparatus 342. First actuator end 341 engages with first spring dampening apparatus 342 to allow actuator 340 to move in the reverse linear direction. Movement in the reverse linear direction dampens or dissipates the external forces acting on door opening assembly 300. As will be discussed in greater detail below, in one embodiment of the presentarrangements, actuator 340 compresses a compression spring of first spring dampening apparatus 342. Compression of the spring dampens or dissipates the external forces acting on door opening assembly 300.

[0093] If, however, door opening assembly 300 is configured to displace a door that rotates or pivots in a counterclockwise direction (e.g., door 504’ of Figure 5B), an external force may cause an opposing rod force and / or rod movement in a reverse lateral direction towards second spring dampening apparatus 344. Second spring dampening apparatus 344 may be engaged to dampen or dissipate the external force acting on the door. Thus, door opening assembly 300 is capable of dampening or dissipating an external force against the door regardless of configuration.

[0094] In this embodiment, actuator 340 is not secured to housing 310 and is free to move laterally within housing 310. First spring dampening apparatus 342 is secured to an internal surface (e.g., a side wall) of housing 310 and is proximate to first actuator end 341. First spring dampening apparatus 342 may be in contact with or adjacent to first actuator end 341. Second spring dampening apparatus 344 is secured to a surface of housing 310 and is proximate to a second actuator end 343.

[0095] Figure 4 shows a spring dampening apparatus 442, according to one embodiment of the present arrangements, that is substantially similar to first spring dampening apparatus 342 and second spring dampening apparatus 344 of Figure 3. Spring dampening apparatus 442 includes a compression spring 446, a compression rod 448, and a dampening coupler 450. Dampening coupler 450 includes a base portion 443, a first flange 445, and a second flange 447. First flange 445 extends from a first terminating end of base portion 443 and second flange 447 extends from a second terminating end of base portion 443. Preferably first flange 445 is substantially parallel with second flange 447. One or more apertures 449 extend through base portion 443 to allow for one or more fasteners to secure dampening coupler 450 to the door opening assemblies of the present arrangements (e.g., housing 310 of Figure 3)

[0096] First flange 445 and second flange 447 each have defined therethrough a rod aperture. Compression rod 448, which includes, at one end, a compression rod cap 452 and, at another end, a threaded portion 454, extends through the rod apertures of first flange 445 and second flange 447. In an assembled configuration, compression spring 446 surrounds a portion of compression rod 448 and is disposed between compression rod cap 452 and second flange 447.An adjusting fastener (e.g., a bolt) 455 is threaded onto at least a portion of threaded portion 454 that extends beyond first flange 445. By adjusting fastener 455 along threaded portion 454, a length of compression rod 448 extending beyond second flange 447 increases or decreases. Moreover, the compression of compression spring 446, which is disposed between second flange 447 and compression rod cap 452, may be increased or decrease by increasing or decreasing by adjusting fastener 455 along threaded portion 454.

[0097] During an operational state of spring dampening apparatus 442, compression rod cap 452 is adjacent to or in contact with first actuator end 341. When the actuator (e.g., actuator 340 of Figure 3) moves in a reverse lateral direction due to an external force, the actuator end engages with and pushes compression rod cap 452 towards second flange 447. Compression spring 446 is compressed between compression rod cap 452 and second flange 447 as compression rod cap 452 is pushed towards second flange 447. Thus, compression spring 446 allows the actuator to move in the reverse lateral direction, dampening or dissipating an external force against the door. Moreover, upon removal of the external force against the door, compression spring 446 decompresses and displaces the actuator in a lateral direction. The actuator returns to a position that is similar to an actuator position prior to movement in the reverse lateral direction.

[0098] In a preferred embodiment of the present arrangements, compression spring 446 is partially compressed between second flange 447 and compression rod cap 452. In other words, compression spring 446 is displaced from a neutral position into a compressed state, but compression spring 446 may be further compressed. Compression of compression spring 446 may be increased or decreased by adjusting fastener 455 along the length of threaded portion 454.

[0099] A compressed compression spring 446 is desirable because compressed compression spring 446 prevents the actuator from moving in the revere lateral direction when the arm initially pushes on a door. While not wishing to be bound by theory, an arm e.g., arm 312 of Figure 3) pushes a door having a defined mass and / or against a closing mechanism generating a closing force and / or closing torque. During an operational state of the door opening assemblies of the present arrangements, an initial contact and / or force of the arm against the door mass may generate a door mass force that does not result from the door opening system. The door mass force and / or closing force against the arm may generate an opposing rod force and / or movement of the rod in a reverse lateral direction. However, compressed compression spring 446 inhibitslateral movement of actuator 340, which is coupled to rod 336. An external force, which is greater than the door mass force, however, will cause compressed compression spring 446 to further compress, thus dampening or dissipating an external force.

[0100] Figures 3 and 4 provide dampener assembly 339 that includes a first spring dampening apparatus 342 and a second spring dampening apparatus 344 to allow lateral displacement of a portion of the rotational displacement subassembly 314 in two reverse directions. The present arrangements and teachings, however, are not so limited. In another embodiment of the present teachings, dampener assembly 339 includes a one spring dampening apparatus having a first compression spring and a second compression spring. Dampener assembly 339 is secured to an internal surface (e.g., a side wall) of housing 310 and is coupled to first actuator end 341 or second actuator end 343. Referring to Figure 4, for ease of illustration, in one embodiment of the present arrangements, compression rod 448 and / or compression rod cap 452 is coupled to an actuator and a second compression spring, not shown, surrounds a portion of compression rod 448 and is disposed between compression adjusting fastener 455 and first flange 445. Compression spring 446 may compress to enable the actuator to move in one reverse lateral direction (e.g., move laterally to the left), thereby dampening or dissipating an external force against the door. The second compression spring, disposed between compression adjusting fastener 455 and first flange 445, may compress to enable the actuator to move in a second reverse lateral direction (e.g., move laterally to the right) to dampen or dissipate an external force acting on the door.

[0101] In yet another embodiment of the present arrangements, the dampener assembly 339 includes a single spring. Referring to Figure 4, for ease of illustration, in one embodiment of the present arrangements, compression rod 448 and / or compression rod cap 452 is coupled to an actuator and the spring 446 surrounds a portion of compression rod 448 and is disposed between the actuator or compression rod cap 452 and second flange 447. A first end of the spring is coupled to second flange 447 and a second end is coupled to compression rod cap 452 or the actuator. The spring may compress to enable the actuator to move in one reverse lateral direction (e.g., move laterally to the left) or stretch to enable the actuator to move in a second reverse lateral direction (e.g., move laterally to the right).

[0102] As discussed above, during one operational state of the present arrangements, pinion 330 and arm 312 have rotated to a predefined open position to move the door to a dooropen position. The door remains in the door open position indefinitely or for a predetermined period of time, until the processor of door opening assembly 300 instructs pinion 330 and arm 312 to return to a predefined closed position. If the door receives an opposing force and / or opposing torque that is greater than the dampening torque and / or the dampening force, dampener assembly 339 enables displacement a portion of rotational displacement subassembly 314 in the reverse direction. For example, pinion 330 and arm 312, which are in the predefined open position, rotate in a reverse direction of the rotational direction used to rotate pinion 330 and arm 312 to the predefined open position.

[0103] One or more displacement sensors (e.g., one or more displacement sensors 216 of Figure 2), disposed near or on the rotational displacement subassembly, in one embodiment of the present arrangements, measure a magnitude of linear and / or angular displacement of a portion of rotational displacement subassembly in the reverse direction generated by the dampener assembly 339. Discussed in greater detail below, a processor, using these measurements, may instruct the rotational displacement subassembly to reverse direction of displacement and / or cease displacement in a direction to prevent the arm from carrying out the door opening action.[00104J As discussed above, the door opening assemblies of the present arrangements may be configured to rotationally rotate or pivot a door in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction, without a need to use separate door openers for clockwise pivoting doors and for counterclockwise pivoting doors. To this end, Figure 5A shows a door opening assembly 500, according to one embodiment of the present arrangements, installed on a door frame 506 for displacing a clockwise pivoting door. Figure 5B shows a door opening assembly 500’, which is the door opening assembly 500 of Figure 5 A, installed on door frame 506 for displacing a counterclockwise pivoting door. Door opening assemblies 500 and 500’ are substantially similar to door opening assembly 300 of Figure 3.

[0105] Returning to Figure 5A, one or more hinges 508 secure door 502 to door frame 506, allowing door 502 to rotationally pivot in a clockwise direction to open door 502. As door 502 pivots in the clockwise direction, a distal end 501 of door 502 displaces away from a receiving structure of door frame 506 to open door 502.

[0106] To pivot door 502 in the clockwise direction, first securing surface 520, of door opening assembly 500, is adjacent to door frame 506. One or more fasteners 515 secure dooropening assembly 500 to door frame 506. In this configuration, a portion of rotational displacement subassembly 514 that undergoes rotational movement (i.e., pinion 530) is in close proximity to one or more hinges 508 and a proximate end 503 of door 502. Arm 512, which is coupled to rotational displacement subassembly 514, extends away from a proximate end 503 of door 502 and towards distal end 501.

[0107] To enable arm 512 to contact door 502 and perform an opening action, actuator 540 moves a first rod end of rod 536 from a retracted position to an extended position. Rack engaging feature 534 moves in the same linear direction and causes pinion 530 to rotate in a clockwise direction. Arm 512, which is coupled to pinion 530 also rotates in the clockwise direction. At least a portion of the arm (e.g., arm wheel 224 of Figure 2) contacts door 502 to carry out the door opening action in which the door rotates or pivots in one direction (i.e., a clockwise direction).

[0108] As shown in Figure 5B, one or more hinges 508 secure door 502 to door frame 506’, allowing door 502 to rotationally pivot in a counterclockwise direction to open door 502. Second securing surface 522, of door opening assembly 500’, is positioned adjacent to door frame 506’, and one or more fasteners 515 secure door opening assembly 500’ to door frame 506’.

[0109] To pivot door 502 in the counterclockwise direction, one or more fasteners 515 secure door opening assembly 500’ to door frame 506’ such that second securing surface 522, of door opening assembly 500’, is adjacent to door frame 506’. Pinion 530’, of rotational displacement subassembly 514’ is in close proximity to one or more hinges 508’ and a proximate end of door 502.

[0110] To enable arm 512’ to contact door 502 and perform an opening action, actuator 540’ moves a first rod end of rod 536’ from an extended position to a retracted position. Rack engaging feature 534’ moves in the same linear direction and causes pinion 530’ to rotate in a counterclockwise direction. Arm 512’, which is coupled to pinion 530’ also rotates in the counterclockwise direction. At least a portion of the arm (e.g., arm wheel 224 of Figure 2) contacts door 502 to carry out the door opening action in which the door rotates or pivots in another direction (i.e., the counterclockwise direction).

[0111] Figure 6 shows a cross-section of a door opening assembly 600, according to one embodiment of the present arrangements. In particular, Figure 6 illustrates a shaft 631 coupling apinion 630 to an arm 612. A first shaft end 656, disposed within housing 610, is coupled to pinion 630, and second shaft end 658, disposed exterior to housing 610, is coupled to arm 612. Thus, a rotational movement of pinion 630 in one direction is transferred, through shaft 631, to arm 612, causing arm 612 to rotate in the same direction.

[0112] In one embodiment of the present arrangements, a pinion key 675 couples pinion 630 to first shaft end 656 to enable a transfer of rotational movement from pinion 630 to shaft 631. To enable rotational coupling of pinion 630 to shaft 631, pinion 630 has defined therethrough a central pinion aperture and, in an assembled configuration, at least a portion of first shaft end 656 extends through the center pinion aperture. Pinion 630 includes a pinion key way 673 (z.e., a recessed region or slot) that extends from an inner sidewall of the central pinion aperture towards a periphery of pinion 630 (e.g, pinion engaging feature 332 of Figure 3). First shaft end 656 includes a shaft keyseat 677 (i.e., a recessed region or slot) that extends from a sidewall of shaft 631 towards the center of shaft 631. When pinion keyway 673 and shaft keyseat 677 are axially aligned, pinion key 675 is positioned in a cavity defined by pinion keyway 673 and shaft keyseat 677. Pinion key 675, seated in the cavity defined by shaft keyseat 677 and pinion keyway 673, rotativity couples pinion 630 to first shaft end 656 and prevents pinion 630 from rotating independently of shaft 631.

[0113] Pinon 630 and a least a portion of shaft 631 are disposed within a cavity defined by an upper plate 660, a lower plate 662, and one or more spacers 664. One or more plate fasteners 666 secure upper plate 660, lower plate 662, and one or more spacers 664 to housing 610. One or more spacers 664 partially or completely surround pinion 630. Upper plate 660, lower plate 662, and one or more spacers 664 protect pinion 630 and, as discussed in greater detail below, inhibit or prevent lateral movement of shaft 631 and pinion 630.

[0114] In one embodiment of the present arrangements, upper plate 660 has defined therethrough an upper plate shaft aperture that aligns with the central pinion aperture of pinion 630. In an assembled configuration, at least a portion of first shaft end 656 extends into or protrudes beyond the upper plate shaft aperture. An upper bearing 674 is disposed within the upper plate shaft aperture and includes an inner diameter and an outer diameter. The outer diameter is coupled to the upper plate shaft aperture and the inner diameter provides a sidewall that circumferentially contacts shaft 631.

[0115] At least a portion of shaft 631 extends through a housing shaft aperture of housing 610 and a lower plate shaft aperture of lower plate 662. The housing shaft aperture and lower plate shaft aperture align with the central pinion aperture of pinion 630. A lower bearing 668 is disposed within the lower plate shaft aperture and includes an inner diameter and an outer diameter. The outer diameter is coupled to the lower plate shaft aperture and the inner diameter provides a sidewall that circumferentially contacts shaft 631.

[0116] In an assembled configuration, when upper bearing 674 is engaged with shaft 631, upper bearing 674 reduces rotational resistance between shaft 631 and upper plate 660.Similarly, lower bearing 668 reduces rotational resistance between shaft 631 and lower plate 662.

[0117] Moreover, in one embodiment of the present arrangements, upper bearing 674 and lower bearing 668 extend into the cavity defined by an upper plate 660, a lower plate 662, and one or more spacers 664. Upper bearing 674 contacts a surface of pinion 630 to inhibit or prevent movement of shaft 631 and pinion 630 in a vertical or longitudinal direction, towards upper plate 660. Lower bearing 668 contacts an opposing surface of pinion 630 to inhibit or prevent movement of shaft 631 and pinion 630 in vertical or longitudinal direction, towards lower plate 662. A lower spacer 670, in one embodiment of the present arrangements, is disposed between lower bearing 668 and lower plate 662. Lower spacer 670 ensures that a portion of lower bearing 668 is positioned adjacent to or in contact with pinion 630.

[0118] Additionally, the engagement between shaft 631 and upper bearing 674 and lower bearing 668 provides translational resistance that preferably prevents shaft 631 from disengaging with upper bearing 674 and lower bearing 668 and pinion 630 from disengaging with a rack engaging feature (e.g., rack engaging feature 334 of Figure 3). Thus, any rotation movement of pinion 630 is transferred, through shaft 631, directly to arm 612.

[0119] In one embodiment of the present arrangements, upper bearing 674 and / or lower bearing 668 are press fit into the upper plate shaft aperture and / or into the lower plate shaft aperture, respectively. In another embodiment of the present arrangements, upper bearing 674 and / or lower bearing 668 is a sleeve bearing.

[0120] In yet another embodiment of the present arrangements, first shaft end 656 includes a retaining ring groove. The retaining ring groove is defined around a circumference of shaft 631 between pinion 630 and upper plate 660. A first retaining ring 672 is disposed withinthe retaining ring grove and in a preferred embodiment of the present arrangements, is adjacent to and / or contacts upper bearing 674. First retaining ring 672 contacts upper bearing 674 to inhibit or prevent movement of shaft 631 and pinion 630, in a vertical or longitudinal direction, towards upper plate 660.

[0121] A control board 619, in one embodiment of the present arrangements, is coupled to an exterior surface of upper plate 660 above first shaft end 656. One or more displacement sensors 616, coupled to or adjacent to control board 619, are centered along a vertical axis of shaft 631.

[0122] First shaft end 656, in one embodiment of the present arrangements, includes a recessed region that extends, from first shaft end 656, into shaft 631. Preferably, the recessed region is centered along the vertical axis of shaft 631. A magnet 676 is disposed within the recessed region and, in a preferred embodiment of the present arrangements, a protective barrier separates shaft 631 from magnet 676. Protective barrier 678, during an operation state, isolates magnet 676 from shaft 631 to ensure that one or more displacement sensors 616 senses rotation of the magnet, and not shaft 631.

[0123] As discussed above, when a door receives an external force that does not result from the door opening assembly (i.e., an external force that is not the arm pushing against the door), the arm generates an opposing torque on at least a portion of the rotational displacement subassembly. The opposing torque may cause an immediate failure of one or more components of the door opening assembly or create fatigue in one or more of the components that, in accumulation, leads to failure. To remediate the opposing torque, and the potential failure of one or more components, the present arrangements and teachings provide a detent subassembly 7002 that decouples arm 7012 from a pinion (e.g., pinion 330 of Figure 3) when the arm receives an external force. In the decoupled state, the opposing force allows the door and arm to rotate, however, the opposing force is not transferred from the door and arm to one or more component coupled to the pinion, thus reducing or eliminating immediate failure and / or fatigue of one or more components of the door opening assembly

[0124] Figures 7A and 7B shows a door opening assembly 7000, according to one embodiment of the present arrangements, that includes a detent subassembly 7002 for coupling and / or decoupling an arm 7012 from a pinion. Arm 7012, arm shaft 7031, and second shaft end 7058, which is coupled to the pinon, are substantially similar to arm 612, shaft 631, second shaftend 658 of Figure 6, respectively. Detent subassembly 7002 includes a first contact surface 7060, as second contact surface 6062, and one or more couplers 7010

[0125] Coupler 7010 couples first contact surface 7060 to second contact surface 7062. An imparting torque received at first contact surface 7060 is restricted by presence of coupler 7010 to produce a restricted torque at second contact surface 7062 that is conveyed to arm 7012. Upon receiving, at the arm, an external force not resulting from the rotational displacement subassembly, arm 7012 generates an opposing torque effective in a direction that is opposite to the imparting torque. In presence of the opposing torque that is equal to or greater than the restricted torque, second contact surface 7062 decouples from first contact surface 7060. In the decoupled state, arm 7012 does not rotate in the same direction as the rotational movement of the pinion or rotates in the direction that is opposite to the rotational movement of the pinion.Moreover, the opposing force is not transferred from the door and arm to one or more component coupled to the pinion.

[0126] First contact surface 7060 is coupled to the pinion such that any rotational movement of the rotational displacement subassembly generates an imparting torque on the first contact surface 7060. In one embodiment of the present arrangements, first contact surface 7060 is one or more surfaces of rotating plate 7006. First contact surface 7060, in another embodiment of the present arrangements, is one or more radially extending internal sidewall of coupler slot 7022. In a preferred embodiment of the present arrangements, as shown in Figure 7B, first contact surface 7060 is one or more radially extending edges of coupler slot 7022 (z.e., edges defined by an intersection of the bottom surface of rotating plate 7006 and radially extending internal sidewall of coupler slot 7022).

[0127] Second contact surface 7062 is coupled to arm 7012. In one embodiment of the present arrangements, second contact surface 7062 is one or more surfaces of arm plate 7008. In a preferred embodiment of the present arrangements, shown in Figures 7A and 7B, second contact surface 7062 is a base surface of arm plate groove 7024 and / or one or more radially extending sidewalls of arm plate groove 7024. A width between the radially extending sidewalls of arm plate groove 7024 may be greater than a width (e.g, diameter) of coupler 7010 such that at least a portion of coupler 7010 is disposed between the radially extending sidewalls of arm plate groove 7024. Detent subassembly 7002, in one embodiment of the present arrangements, includes one or more springs 7004 that generate a spring force against rotating plate 7006 and / orarm plate 7008. One or more springs 7004, in a preferred embodiment of the present arrangements, are one or more compression springs. In a compressed state, one or more springs 7004 generate a spring force, in a vertical or longitudinal direction, against rotating plate 7006. In a more preferred embodiment of the present arrangements, one or more compression springs are disk springs or coned-disk springs. By way of example, Figure 7A, shows two spring stacks. Each spring stack includes two disk springs in alternating orientations (i.e., the conical portion of each disk spring extending in opposing directions).

[0128] The spring force of one or more springs 7004 pushes first contact surface 7060 and / or second contact surface 7062 against coupler 7010 to couple first contact surface 7060 to second contact surface 7062. As shown in Figure 7A and 7B, second contact surface 7062 secures a portion of coupler 7010, within arm plate groove 7024. Another portion of coupler 7010 is positioned in a corresponding coupler slot 7022. First contact surface 7060 of coupler slot 7022 contacts coupler 7010 and the vertical or longitudinal spring force is transmitted, through first contact surface 7060, to coupler 7010. As a result, the spring force holds a portion of coupler 7010 within a corresponding coupler slot 7022 and couples first contact surface 7060 to second contact surface 7062[00129J When an opposing torque is applied to arm 7012, a horizontal (shear) force is generated between rotating plate 7006 and arm plate 7008. First contact surface 7060 applies the horizontal force against coupler 7010. The horizontal force against coupler 7010 (which has a circular cross- section) produces a vertical or longitudinal force (i.e., a vertical force vector) that is a direction that is opposite to the spring force. When the vertical force is greater than the spring force, one or more springs 7004 are compressed resulting in vertical displacement of first contact surface 7060 towards one or more springs 7004 and away from arm plate 7008.

[0130] As the vertical force increases, resulting from an increase in opposing torque, first contact surface 7060 moves vertically towards one or more springs 7004 and away from arm plate 7008. As a result, first contact surface 7060 contacts coupler 7010 at a location that is increasingly moves farther from arm plate 7008 and closer to a top surface of coupler 7010. A portion of coupler 7010, however, remain within coupler slot 7022.

[0131] When the opposing torque is greater than the restricted torque, one or more springs 7004 are compressed to the extent that first contact surface 7060 does not contact coupler 7010. In other words, compression of one or more springs 7004 causes first contact surface 7060to vertically displace away from arm plate 7008 until first contact surface 7060 no longer contacts coupler 7010. When first contact surface 7060 does not contact coupler 7010, coupler 7010 is displaced horizontally from and / or slides out from coupler slot 7022 in which it was at least partially disposed. Coupler 7010, decoupled from coupler slot 7022, contacts a bottom surface of rotating plate 7006. Any opposing torque applied to arm 7012, results in lateral movement of coupler 7010 against the bottom surface of rotating plate 7006. In this decoupled state, arm 7012 rotates independently of the pinion.

[0132] Arm 7012 will recouple to pinion, in one embodiment of the present arrangements, when the pinion and arm 7012 each returned to a predefined closed position. At the predefined closed position, coupler 7010 aligns with its corresponding coupler slot 7022. One or more springs 7004 couple first contact surface 7060, of corresponding coupler slot 7022, with coupler 7010.

[0133] Returning to detent subassembly 7002 of Figure 7A, in one embodiment of the present arrangements, second shaft end 7058 includes a retaining ring groove that is defined around a circumference of arm shaft 7031. A second retaining ring 7018 is disposed within the retaining ring grove and in a preferred embodiment of the present arrangements, is adjacent to and / or contacts one or more springs 7004. One or more springs 7004 surround a portion of second shaft end 7058 and are disposed between second retaining ring 7018 and rotating plate 7006. Second retaining ring 7018 inhibits or prevents movement of one or more springs 7004, in a vertical (i.e., longitudinal) direction, towards a first shaft end (e.g., first shaft end 656 of Figure 6). Moreover, in another embodiment of the present arrangements, second shaft end 7058 includes a shaft keyseat 7020 i.e., a recessed region or slot) that extends from a sidewall of arm shaft 7031 towards the center of arm shaft 7031.

[0134] Rotating plate 7006 includes a central aperture, a key tab 7026, and one or more coupler slots 7022. Key tab 7026, a protrudes from the sidewall of the central aperture of rotating plate 7006 towards the central axis of rotating plate 7006. In an assembled configuration, when rotating plate 7006 is axially aligned with second shaft end 7058, the central aperture of rotating plate 7006 receives at least a portion of second shaft end 7058 and key tab 7026 is disposed within shaft keyseat 7020. Seated in the cavity defined by shaft keyseat 7020, key tab 7026 rotativity couples second shaft end 7058 to rotating plate 7006 and prevents rotating plate 7006from rotating independently of shaft 631 but allows for vertical displacement of rotating plate 7006 in relation to second shaft end 7058.

[0135] One or more coupler slots 7022 of rotating plate 7006 extend radially from a rotating plate central axis (i.e., an axis that extends through the center of a central aperture of rotating plate 7006 and that is substantially parallel with arm shaft 7031) and is designed to receive at least a portion of coupler 7010 within a cavity defined by coupler slot 7022. Each coupler slot 7022 extends into rotating plate 7006 from a bottom surface of rotating plate 7006 and towards one or more springs 7004. In a preferred embodiment of the present arrangements, rotating plate 7006 includes three coupler slots 7022, wherein each coupler slot 7022 is positioned 120 degrees from each other relative to the central axis of rotating plate 7006.

[0136] Arm plate 7008 includes a central aperture that is axially aligned with second shaft end 7058. The central aperture of arm plate 7008 receives at least a portion of second shaft end 7058. Additionally, one or securing fasteners secure arm plate 7008 to arm 7012 such that any rotational displacement of the arm 7012 is transferred to arm plate 7008 and rotational displacement of arm plate 7008 is transferred to arm 7012.

[0137] One or more arm plate grooves 7024 extend radially from a central axis of arm plate 7008 (i.e., an axis that extends through the center of the central aperture of arm plate 7008 and that is substantially parallel with arm shaft 7031). Each arm plate groove 7024 extends into arm plate 7008 from a top surface of arm plate 7008 towards arm 7012, and away from rotating plate 7006. In one embodiment of the present arrangements, arm plate 7008 includes three arm plate grooves 7024, wherein each arm plate groove 7024, extending radially from rotating central axis of arm plate 7008, is located 120 degrees from an adjacent arm plate groove 7024. As such, three arm plate grooves 7024 are evenly spaced within arm plate 7008.

[0138] Arm 7012, which is adjacent to and coupled to arm plate 7008 using one or more fasteners, includes an arm aperture 7028 that extends through arm 7012 and is axially aligned with second shaft end 7058. A compression adjustment washer 7014 is disposed within arm aperture 7028 and contacts a bottom surface of arm plate 7008. A compression adjustment fastener 7016 extends through compression adjustment washer 7014 and engages with second shaft end 758. A head portion of compression adjustment fastener 7016 engages with compression adjustment washer 7014. Compression adjustment washer 7014, however, does not engage with or touch second shaft end 7058.

[0139] In one implementation of the present arrangements, when arm 7012 is coupled to arm shaft 7031, each coupler slot 7022 is radially aligned with a corresponding arm plate groove 7024. Each coupler 7010, at least partially disposed within coupler slot 7022 and at least partially disposed within a corresponding arm plate groove 7024, couples rotating plate 7006 to arm plate 7008. In this configuration, rotating plate 7006 is coupled to, but does not directly contact arm plate 7008. Rather, coupler 7010 couples arm plate 7008 to rotating plate 7006, such that any rotational displacement of arm 7012 is transferred to arm shaft 731. Conversely, any rotational displacement of arm shaft 7031 is transferred, through coupler 7010, to arm 7012.

[0140] In a decoupled state, coupler 7010 remains seated in arm plate groove 7024, but is displaced from coupler slot 7022. In this displaced state, coupler 7010 is not engaged with the first contact surface 7060 of rotating plate 7006. When coupler 7010 is not engaged with first contact surface 7060, any rotational movement of arm plate 7008 is not transferred to rotating plate 7006. Thus, coupler 7010 inhibits the transfer of rotational displacement from arm 7012 to arm plate 7008 or inhibits the transfer of rational displacement from arm plate 7008 to arm 7012. In both the coupled state and the decoupled state, coupler 7010 prevents rotating plate 7006 from contacting arm plate 7008. In other words, coupler 7010 creates a gap between rotating plate 7006 and arm plate 7008.

[0141] Coupler 7010 may be any component that, in one operational state of door opening assembly 7000, couples rotating plate 7006 to arm plate 7008 and, in another operational state of door opening assembly 7000, decouples rotating plate 7006 from arm plate 7008. In one embodiment of the present arrangement, coupler 7010 is a sphere that couples rotating plate 7006 to arm late 7008. In a preferred embodiment of the present arrangements, coupler 7010 is a cylinder that radially extends from the co-located central axis of rotating plate 7006 and arm plate 7008, towards a periphery of rotating plate 7006 and arm plate 7008.

[0142] The present teachings recognize that a location of contact between first contact surface 7060 and coupler 7010 depends on a width of coupler slot 7022. The location of contact between first contact surface 7060 and coupler 7010 may be described using the formula:0 coupler slot width = 2r siN-, where r is the radius of coupler 7010, and 0 is a central angle between a first radius, extending from a center point of coupler 7010 to a first contact surface 7060 (z.e., a first radially extending edge of coupler slot 7022), and a second radius, extending from the center point of coupler 7010and another first contact surface 7060 (z.e., a second a radially extending edge of coupler slot 7022).

[0143] As the central angle decreases (i.e., 9 approaches 0 degrees), contact between the radially extending edges of coupler slot 7022 and coupler 7010 moves away the widest portion of coupler 7010 i.e., a diameter extending through the center of coupler 7010) and towards the narrowest portion of coupler 7010 (z.e., a top surface of coupler slot 7022 perpendicular to the diameter). In other words, as the width of coupler slot 7022 decreases, first contact surface 7060 moves from the widest portion of coupler 7010 towards the narrowest portion of coupler 7010. As the central angle increases (i.e., 0 approaches 180 degrees), contact between the radially extending edges of coupler slot 7022 and coupler 7010 moves away from the top surface and towards the widest portion of coupler 7010.

[0144] While not wishing to be bound by theory, as the central angle decreases from 180 degrees to 0 degrees (z.e., the width of coupler slot 7022 decreases) a restricted torque necessary to decouple rotating plate 7006 from arm plate 7008 also decreases. A vertical or longitudinal force (i.e., a vertical force vector), resulting from a horizontal (shear) force generated between rotating plate 7006 and arm plate 7008, increases as the central angle approaches 0 degrees. Moreover, as the central angle approaches 0 degrees, the spring force, produced in an opposing vertical direction, may be reduced. The distance one or more springs 7004 compress (i.e., spring deflection), from a coupled state to a decoupled state, decreases, resulting in a decreased spring force. An increased vertical force and a decreased spring force results in a reduced restricted torque necessary to rotating plate 7006 from arm plate 7008. Thus, the predetermined restricted torque may be changed by increasing or decreasing the width between the first radially extending edge of coupler slot 7022 and the second radially extending edge of coupler slot 7022. In one embodiment of the present arrangements, the central angle is between about 25 degrees and about 110 degrees. In a preferred embodiment of the present teachings, the central angle is between about 80 degrees and about 100 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment of the present arrangements, the central angle is about 90 degrees.

[0145] In another embodiment of the present arrangements, a predetermined restricted torque value, which, if exceeded, allows for the decoupling of arm 7012 from arm shaft 7031, may be adjusted by tightening or loosening compression adjustment fastener 7016. Tightening compression adjustment fastener 7016 increases a spring force exerted by one or more springs7004 by increasing the compression (z.e., spring deflection) of one or more springs 7004 between second retaining ring 7018 and rotating plate 7006. Thus, the increased spring force increases the predetermined restricted torque value. Conversely, loosening compression adjustment fastener 7016 reduces the spring force of one or more springs 7004 by reducing compression of one or more springs 7004 between second retaining ring 7018 and rotating plate 7006. The reduced spring force reduces the predetermined restricted torque value.

[0146] The present arrangements allow door opening assembly 7000, used for pivoting a clockwise opening door, to be quickly and easily reconfigured to pivot a counterclockwise opening door, or vice versa. This may be beneficial, for example, when door opening assembly 7000 is installed to open a door that pivots clockwise but is removed and installed at another location or the same location to open a door that pivots counterclockwise. As described above, in one embodiment of the present arrangements, rotating plate 7006 includes three radially extending coupler slots 7022, each of which is located 120 degrees from an adjacent coupler slot 7022. Arm plate 7008 includes three radially extending arm plate grooves 7024, each of which is located 120 degrees from an adjacent arm plate grove 7024. Compression adjustment fastener 7016 may be loosened until coupler 7010, disposed in each arm plate groove 7024, is not engaged with coupler slot 7022. In this unengaged state, arm 7012 is decoupling from arm shaft 7031. Arm 7012, in an unengaged state, may be rotated 120 degrees until each coupler 7010 is aligned with another arm plate groove 7024. Compression adjustment fastener 7016 may be tightened until each coupler 7010 engages with each coupler slot 7022. Door opening assembly 7000 may now pivot a door in a direction that is opposite to an original operational state. For example, door opening assembly 7000 enables pivoting a clockwise opening door is reconfigured to pivot a counterclockwise opening door.

[0147] Figure 8 shows a door opening assembly 8000, according to one embodiment of the present arrangements, that includes a control panel 8004. Door opening assembly 8000 is substantially similar to door opening assembly 100 of Figure 1. Preferably, control panel 8004 is located on an exterior surface of a housing (e.g., housing 210 of Figure 2).

[0148] Control panel 8004 includes one or more switches, each of which has a graphic overlay button that visually indicates a function of the buttons. Moreover, control panel 8004 includes one or more visual indicators (e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs)) to provide a visual confirmation that a button has been enabled or disabled. By way of example, control panel 8004includes an ON button 8008, and an OFF button. When ON button 8008 is engaged a power on indicator 8009 is illuminated. When OFF button 8010 is engaged, a power off indicator 8011 is illuminated.

[0149] Control panel 8004 further includes one or more pairs of switches, wherein each pair of switches controls a particular function of door opening assembly 8000. In one embodiment of the present arrangements, control panel 8004 includes a pair of opening angle switches 8012. One opening angle switch (denoted with a “+” symbol) may be engaged to increase the opening angle of the door and another opening angle switch (denoted with asymbol may be engaged to decrease the opening angle of the door.

[0150] In another embodiment of the present arrangements, control panel 8004 includes a pair of opening duration switches 8014. One opening duration switch (denoted with a “+” symbol) increases a duration of time a door remains open and another opening duration switch (denoted with asymbol) decreases the duration of time the door remains open.

[0151] In another embodiment of the present arrangements, control panel 8004 includes a pair of opening direction switches 8015. One opening direction switch instructs an arm (e.g., arm 212 of Figure 2) to rotate in a clockwise direction and another opening direction switch instructs the arm to rotate in a counterclockwise direction.

[0152] Control panel 8004, in yet another embodiment of the present arrangements, includes a push pad sync switch 8018, which links a push pad to door opening assembly 8000. A push pad, which may be installed adjacent to the door, allows a user to press on the push pad to activate door opening assembly 8000 to open the door. In yet another embodiment of the present arrangements, control panel 8004 includes a machine-readable optical label, for example, a quick response code (“QR” code). Users with a camera on a user device (e.g., a mobile phone) equipped with the correct reader application can scan the image of the QR code to display content such as text, contact information, connect or sync to door opening assembly 8000, or open a web page in the phone's browser.

[0153] Figure 9 shows a schematic of a door opening assembly 9000, in accordance with one embodiment of the present arrangements, which is substantially similar door opening assembly 200 of Figure 2. Door opening assembly 9000 includes a data bus 9022 that allows for communication between modules, such as opening angle switches 9012, opening direction switches 9014, opening duration switches 9015, processor 9018, memory 9026, display interface9032, signal receiver 9028, one or more displacement sensors 9016, and actuator 9040. One or more displacement sensors 9016 and processor 9018 are substantially similar to their counterparts in Figure 2 (i.e., one or more displacement sensors 216 and processor 218) and actuator 9040 is substantially similar to actuator 340 of Figure 3. The present teachings recognize that processor 9018, memory 9026, signal receiver 9028, and actuator 9040 are configured such that a program stored in memory 9026 may be executed by processor 9018 to receive an opening signal from signal receiver 9028 and provide power, from power input 9030, to actuator 9040. Upon receiving power from power input 9030, actuator 9040 extends or retracts a rod (e.g., rod 336 of Figure 3) to initiate a door opening action.

[0154] Signal receiver 9028 may be any module that is capable of wired or wireless communicating with another device, which may be, for example, and without limitation, a cellular telephone network, a Wi-Fi network, a Wi-Max network, or a Blue Tooth network, and then to other telephones through a public switched telephone network (PSTN) or to a satellite, or over the Internet. Signal receiver 9028 receives a door opening input, for example, a push pad 9004, an auxiliary opening device 9036, or a control panel (e.g., control panel 8004 of Figure 8). The auxiliary opening device, in one embodiment of the present teachings, is a physical button adjacent to the door opening system, which, when engaged, transmits a signal to signal receiver 9028. In another embodiment of the present arrangements, the auxiliary opening device 9036 is a mobile device, such as a cellular phone or a door-opening remote that wirelessly transmits a signal to signal receiver 9028.

[0155] Furthermore, processor 9018 executes certain instructions to manage all door opening assembly 9000 modules coupled to data bus 9022 for synchronized operations. By way of example, when executed by processor 9018, power is directed from power input 9030 to actuator 9040 to initiate a door opening action. Processor 9018, during the door opening action, obtains displacement information (e.g., a magnitude of displacement in one or more the directions and / or a charge displacement associated with the magnitude of displacement of the rotational displacement subassembly) from one or more displacement sensors 9016 and, based on the displacement information, continues the door opening action or instructs actuator 9040 to reverse direction.

[0156] As discussed above, the novel door opening assemblies of the present arrangements and teachings receive external forces and or external torques not resulting from thedoor opening system. During operation of the door opening system, for example, the door may receive an external force that is transferred to the door opening system. The present teachings recognize, however, that not all external forces are of a strength that may cause immediate damage or create fatigue in one or more of the components that, in accumulation, leads to failure to the door opening system. Other external forces, however, may be of a strength that may cause immediate damage or fatigue to the door opening system. The weight of door, the type of closing mechanism (and the closing force associated with the closing mechanism), and environmental conditions (e.g., wind pushing against the door), for example, generate an external force but may not be of a strength that causes immediate damage or fatigue.

[0157] The present teachings also recognize that, in addition to potential harm to the door opening system, the door may cause harm to an individual, object, or animal (collectively referred to as an “obstruction”) that is struck by an opening door. These obstructions also generate an opposing force against the door.

[0158] It is desirable, therefore, to distinguish between an external force that may cause immediate damage or fatigue to the door opening assembly or harm to an obstruction and those that do not. A predetermined acceleration and / or predetermined rate of change of current as a function of time, in one embodiment of the present teachings, may be used to distinguishes external forces acting on the door that reach a level that may cause damage to the door opening assembly or an obstruction and those that do not.

[0159] To this end, the present teachings also offer, among other things, methods for operating a door opening assembly. Figure 10 shows a method of operating a door opening assembly 1000, according to one embodiment of the present teachings. Method 1000 begins with a step 1002, which includes receiving, at a processor (e.g., processor 9018 of Figure 9), an opening signal. By way of example, the processor receives an opening signal from a signal receiver (e.g., signal receiver 9028 of Figure 9. The signal receiver receives a door opening input from, for example, a push pad (e.g., push pad 9004 of Figure 9) or an auxiliary opening device (e.g., auxiliary opening device 9036 of Figure 9. In another embodiment of the present teachings, the processor receives the opening signal from the push pad or the auxiliary opening device.

[0160] Next a step 1004 includes activating, using the processor, a rotational displacement subassembly (e.g., rotational displacement subassembly 314 of Figure 3) to generate an imparting torque such that a portion of the rotational displacement subassemblyundergoes rotational movement in one direction. The rotational displacement subassembly, in one embodiment of the present teachings, includes a pinion (e.g., pinion 330 of Figure 3) and / or a shaft (e.g., shaft 331 of Figure 3), coupled to the pinion, that undergoes rational movement in at least one direction. As explained in greater detail above, with respect to Figure 3, the present teachings contemplate that numerous mechanisms, e.g., actuator 340 of Figure 3, may be coupled to the pinion and / or shaft to rotate the pinion and / or shaft in at least one direction.

[0161] In one embodiment of the present teachings, to move a door that rotates about a hinged edge in a counterclockwise direction, the activating step includes an engaging step that includes engaging an actuator such that a first rod end of a rod e.g., rod 336 of Figure 3), coupled to the actuator undergoes linear displacement from an extended position to a retracted position. Next, a displacing step includes rotationally displacing a pinion (e.g., pinion 330 of Figure 3), engaged with a second rod end of the rod, such that the linear displacement of the first rod end causes rotational displacement of the pinion in a counterclockwise direction. The second rod end may include a rack engaging feature (e.g., rack engaging feature 334 of Figure 3) that engages with a pinion engaging feature (e.g., pinion engaging feature 332 of Figure 3) of the pinion. Following the displacing step, a moving step is performed. The moving step includes rotationally moving the arm. The arm has a first arm end coupled to the pinion and moves in the same rotational direction as the pinion such the first arm end rotates in the counterclockwise direction and in another operative state, the first arm end rotates in the counterclockwise direction.

[0162] In another embodiment of the present teachings, to move the door that pivots about a hinged edge in a clockwise direction, the activating step includes an engaging step that includes engaging an actuator such that a first rod end of a rod (e.g., rod 336 of Figure 3), coupled to the actuator undergoes linear displacement from the retracted position to the extended position. Next, a displacing step includes rotationally displacing the pinion, engaged with a second rod end of the rod, such that the linear displacement of the first rod end causes the rotational displacement of the pinion in a clockwise direction. Following the displacing step, a moving step is performed. The moving step includes rotationally moving the arm. The arm has a first arm end coupled to the pinion and moves in the same rotational direction as the pinion such the first arm end rotates in a clockwise direction.

[0163] Another step 1006 includes displacing an arm, coupled to the rotational displacement subassembly, such that the arm contacts a door and carries out a door opening action. By way of example, a shaft (shaft 331 of Figure 3) couples pinion to a fist arm end. Rotation displacement of the pinion is transferred, through the shaft, to the arm. In one embodiment of the present teachings, to move a door that rotates about a hinged edge in a counterclockwise direction, the displacing step includes rotationally displacing the arm, having a first arm end coupled to the pinion, in the same rotational direction as the pinion such that in the one operative state, the first arm end rotates in the counterclockwise direction. Another step includes contacting, at a second arm end (e.g., second arm end 313 of Figure 3), the door such that the rotational displacement of the arm causes the door opening action to move the door from a closed position to an open position. In a preferred embodiment of the present teachings, the door is held in the open position for a predefined period of time.

[0164] In one embodiment of the present teachings, to move a door that rotates about a hinged edge in a counterclockwise direction, the displacing step includes rotationally displacing the arm, having a first arm end coupled to the pinion, in the same rotational direction as the pinion such that in the one operative state, the first arm end rotates in the clockwise direction. Another step includes contacting, at a second arm end, the door such that the rotational displacement of the arm causes the door opening action to move the door from a closed position to an open position.

[0165] Following step 1006, a step 1008 is performed. Step 1008 includes measuring, using one or more displacement sensors (e.g., one or more displacement sensors 216 of Figure 2) disposed near or on the rotational displacement subassembly, a magnitude of displacement in one or more directions and / or a charge displacement associated with the magnitude of displacement of the rotational displacement subassembly. One or more of the displacement sensors, in one embodiment of the present teachings, measures a magnitude of linear displacement and / or a magnitude of rotational displacement. By way of example, one or more of the displacement sensors measure the magnitude of linear displacement of a rod that is coupled to an actuator. By way of another example, one or more displacement sensors measure the rotational displacement of the pinion, the shaft, and / or the arm. One or more of the displacement sensors, in another embodiment of the present teachings, measures the charge displacement of the actuator or a motor that is associated with the magnitude of displacement of the rotational displacementsubassembly. One or more of the sensors continuously measures the magnitude of displacement and / or the charge displacement during displacement of the rotational displacement subassembly.

[0166] Next a step 1010 includes determining, using the processor and based on the magnitude of displacement, an acceleration corresponding to or commensurate with changes in the magnitude of displacement as a function of time and / or, based on the charge displacement, a rate of change of current as a function of time corresponding to or commensurate with changes in the charge displacement as a function to time. While not wishing to be bound by theory, the present teachings recognize that acceleration may be a second order derivative of a displacement, where: dv d2x a=~dt=where a is acceleration, v is velocity, x is displacement, and t is time.

[0167] In one embodiment of the present teachings, acceleration is an angular acceleration and / or a linear acceleration in one or more directions. By way of example, the processor may calculate the angular acceleration of the pinion, shaft, and / or arm. By way of another example, the processor may calculate the linear acceleration of a rod coupled to a linear actuator.

[0168] The present teachings recognize that the rate of change of current, z, is a second order derivative of charge, q, where: rate of change of current = where z is current, t is time, and q is charge.The unit of rate of change of current may be denoted as charge per second squared or current per second.

[0169] As discussed above, the arm contacts a door and carries out a door opening motion. Acceleration or the rate of change of current provides information as to whether external forces are acting against the door that inhibit the door opening motion. By way of example, an external force against the door that does not result from the door opening assembly (z.e., an external force that is not the arm pushing against the door) may inhibit the arm and / or at least a portion of the rotational displacement subassembly from carrying out the door opening motion and causing a portion of the rotational displacement subassembly to a change acceleration and / or the rate of change of current.

[0170] In one embodiment of the present teachings, step 1010 includes calculating, based on the magnitude of displacement at multiple instances in time, a linear velocity and / or anangular velocity of the rotational displacement subassembly. Using the calculated linear velocity and / or angular velocity at multiple instances in time, another step includes calculating the linear acceleration and / or angular acceleration of the rotational displacement subassembly. The calculated linear velocity and / or angular velocity may vary during displacement of the arm due to external forces acting against the arm, for example, wind pushing against the door or an obstacle contacting the door generating an external force that hinders or prevents displacement of the arm.

[0171] In another embodiment of the present teachings, step 1010 includes calculating, based on the charge displacement at instances in time, a current used by the rotational displacement subassembly to facilitate displacement of the arm. Another step includes, using the calculated current at multiple instances in time, the rate of change of current of the rotational displacement subassembly. Like the calculated linear velocity and / or angular velocity, the calculated current may vary during displacement of the arm. For example, the current may increase when wind pushes against the door generating an external force.

[0172] Following step 1010, a step 1012 includes instructing, using the processor, the rotational displacement subassembly to stop or reverse direction if an acceleration (e.g., an absolute value of acceleration) and / or a rate of change of current (e.g, an absolute value of rate of change of current) is greater than or equal to a predetermined acceleration value and / or predetermined rate of change of current value.

[0173] As discussed above, the predetermined acceleration and / or predetermined rate of change of current allows the process or to distinguish distinguishes between external forces acting on the door that reach a strength that may cause damage to the door opening assembly and / or an obstruction (e.g, a person or animal) and those that may not. Acceleration of the rotational displacement subassembly that is below the predetermined acceleration value are deemed to be acceptable, and the rotational displacement subassembly continues displacement of the arm. Similarly, if the rate of change of current is below the predetermined rate of changed of current the rotational displacement subassembly continues displacement of the arm.

[0174] However, if the acceleration and / or the rate of change of current is above the predetermined acceleration and / or predetermined rate of change of charge the processor instructs the rotational displacement subassembly to stop or reverse the direction to prevent the arm from carrying out the door opening action. Stopping or reversing direction of the rotationaldisplacement subassembly inhibits and / or prevents the external force acting on the door from causing an immediate failure of one or more components the door opening assembly (e.g., the arm 312, pinion 330, pinion engaging feature 332, rack engaging feature 334, rod 336, and / or rod coupler 338 of Figure 3) or create fatigue in one or more of the components that, in accumulation, leads to failure. Moreover, stopping or reversing direction of the rotational displacement subassembly removes a force from the door acting on an obstruction (e.g., a person or an animal) to remove any potential damage or harm to the obstruction.

[0175] The present teachings recognize that the mass of the door and / or the type of closing mechanism (and corresponding closing force) is not relevant when performing the method 1000. In other words, the predetermined acceleration and / or predetermined rate of change of charge is independent of the door and / or closing mechanism characteristics. By way of example, a door opening assembly used in conjunction with a door closing mechanism having a high closing force may cause an actuator, of door opening assembly, to draw a larger current to generate an imparting torque. A door opening assembly used in conjunction with a door closing mechanism having a low closing force may cause an actuator, of door opening assembly, to draw a lower current to generate an imparting torque. Regardless of whether the door opening assembly draws a high or low current, method 1000 does not change. Therefore, method 1000 may be used with any type of door and / or closing mechanism to distinguish external forces acting on the door that may reach a level that may cause damage to the door opening assembly or an obstruction and those that do not.

[0176] In one embodiment of the present teachings, the predetermined value of acceleration ranges from between about 1.5 degrees per second squared and about 4 degrees per second squared. In a preferred embodiment of the present teachings, the predetermined value of acceleration ranges from between about 1.7 degrees per second squared and about 3.5 degrees per second squared. In a more preferred embodiment of the present teachings, the predetermined value of acceleration ranges from between about 2.1 degrees per second squared and about 2.5 degrees per second squared. In yet a more preferred embodiment of the present teachings, predetermined value of acceleration is 2.3 degrees per second squared.

[0177] In one embodiment of the present teachings, the predetermined value of the rate of change of current ranges from between about 0.2 charge per second squared and about 1.5 charge per second squared. In a preferred embodiment of the present teachings, thepredetermined value of the rate of change of current ranges from between about 0.39 charge per second squared and about 1.44 charge per second squared. In a more preferred embodiment of the present teachings, the predetermined value of the rate of change of current ranges from between about 0.75 charge per second squared and about 0.81 charge per second squared. In yet a more preferred embodiment of the present teachings, the predetermined value of the rate of change of current is 0.78 charge per second squared. The predetermined rate of change of current, described above, may be implemented for a door opening assembly that uses a 24-volt actuator. The present teachings recognize, however, that a door opening assembly may use an actuator of any voltage and the rate of change of current may change based on the voltage.

[0178] In another implementation of the present teachings, the door opening assembly includes one or more dampening apparatuses (e. ., first spring dampening apparatus 342 and second spring dampening apparatus 344 of Figure 3) for displacing a portion of the rotational displacement subassembly. One or more of the dampening apparatuses, in one embodiment of the present teachings, includes one or more compression springs (e. ., compression springs 446 of Figure 4) that allow linear displacement of an actuator (e.g., actuator 340 of Figure 3) and / or a rod e.g., rod 336 of Figure 3).[00179J Method 1000, in one aspect of the present teachings, further includes a receiving step that includes receiving, at the arm, an external force not resulting from the rotational displacement subassembly. Next, a translating step includes translating the external force, received at the arm, to an opposing torque operating on at least a portion of the rotational displacement subassembly and in a direction opposite from an imparting torque generated by the rotational displacement subassembly. By way of example, the external force against the arm is translated to an opposing torque on the shaft (e.g., shaft 331 of Figure 3) and / or the pinion (e.g., pinion 330 of Figure 3).

[0180] If the magnitude of the opposing torque is greater than the imparting torque, a displacing step includes displacing, using one or more dampening apparatuses, at least a portion of rotational displacement subassembly to reduce or eliminate the opposing torque. In one embodiment of the present teachings, one or more dampening apparatuses allow lateral movement of a rod, coupled to the pinion, and an actuator that linearly moves the rod from a retracted position to an extended position. As explained in greater detail above, the opposingtorque on the pinion generates an opposing rod force on the rod. The opposing rod force may move the rod in a lateral direction that is opposite to the lateral direction caused by the actuator.

[0181] In a preferred embodiment of the present teachings, one or more of the dampening apparatuses are engaged when the opposing torque is greater than the imparting torque that causes rotational displacement of the arm. Allowing the actuator to move laterally dampens or dissipates the external force acting on one or more components within the rotational displacement subassembly (e.g., arm, pinion, rod, shaft, pinion engaging feature, and rack engaging feature).

[0182] In another embodiment of the present teachings, the door opening assembly includes a detent subassembly (e.g., detent subassembly 7002 of Figure 7A) for coupling and decoupling the arm from the rotational displacement subassembly. The detent subassembly, in one embodiment of the present teachings, includes a coupler (e.g., coupler 7010 of Figure 7A) that couples and decouples a first contact surface to a second contact surface. The first contact surface, in one implementation of the present teachings, is one or more radially extending internal sidewall of a coupler slot (e.g., coupler slot 7022 of Figure 7A) and the second contact surface is the base surface of an arm plate groove (e.g., arm plate groove 7024 of Figure 7A) and / or one or more radially extending sidewalls of the arm plate groove.

[0183] To this end, method 1000, in another aspect of the present teachings, further includes a rotating step, which includes rotating, using the portion of the rotational displacement subassembly that undergoes rotational movement in one direction, a first contact surface in the same direction. The first contact surface is coupled to the portion of the rotational displacement subassembly that undergoes rotational movement in one direction. In one embodiment of the present teachings, the portion of the rotational displacement subassembly that undergoes rotational movement in one direction is the pinion.

[0184] Following the rotating step, the method then proceeds to a generating step. This step includes generating the imparting torque on the first contact surface. In one embodiment of the present teachings, the first contact surface is one or more surfaces of the rotating plate (e.g., rotating plate 7006 of Figure 7A).

[0185] Next, a coupling step is carried out. The coupling step includes coupling, using the coupler, the first contact surface, and a second contact surface. Preferably, the second contact surface is coupled to the arm.

[0186] Following the coupling step, a restricting step is implemented, which includes restricting, using the coupler, the imparting torque of the first contact surface to produce a restricted torque at the second contact surface.

[0187] Finally, a translating step translates the restricted torque to the arm. In the presence of the opposing torque that is equal to or greater than the restricted torque. The first contact surface decouples from the second contact surface. The portion of the rotational displacement subassembly that is coupled to the first contact surface continues to undergo rotational movement in one direction and the arm, coupled to the second contact surface, does not rotate or rotates in a direction opposite of the portion of the rotational displacement subassembly continues to undergo rotational movement.

[0188] The present teachings also offer, among other things, methods of installing a door opening assembly. Figure 11 shows a method of operating a door opening assembly 1100, according to one embodiment of the present teachings. Method 1100 begins with a step 1102 which includes obtaining a door opening assembly (e.g., door opening assembly 100 of Figure 1) that includes an arm (e.g., arm 212 of Figure 2), a rotational displacement subassembly (e.g, rotational displacement subassembly 214 of Figure 2), and a processor (e.g., processor 218 of Figure 2). The processor is coupled to the rotational displacement subassembly, a portion of which undergoes rotational movement in one or more directions (e.g., pinion 330 of Figure 3). The arm is coupled to and rotates in the same rotational direction as the portion of the rotational displacement subassembly. As discussed above the arm is designed to contact a door and carry out a door opening action.

[0189] A step 1104 includes securing the door opening assembly above a door (e.g, door 102 of Figure 1), coupled to a door frame (e.g, door frame 106 of Figure 1) using one or more hinges (e.g., one or more hinges 108 of Figure 1), such a first arm end (e.g., first arm end 311 of Figure 3) and the portion of the rotational displacement subassembly which undergoes rotational movement are adjacent to a proximate end (e.g., proximate end 103 of Figure 1) of the door and a second arm end (e.g, second arm end 313 of Figure 3) is adjacent to a distal end (e.g, distal end 101 of Figure 1) of the door and when the arm carries out the door opening action, the second arm end contacts the door and rotates the door along the hinges in the same rotational direction as the arm.

[0190] The same door opening assembly of the present teaching can be used to open either a clockwise rotating door or a counterclockwise rotating door. By way of example, if the door rotates in a clockwise direction and the hinges are on the right side of the door, from the perspective shown and described in relation to Figure 5A, the door opening assembly is coupled to the door frame to ensure that the pinion and first arm end are adj cent to the proximate end of the door and the hinges. As the arm carries out the opening motion, the second arm end contacts and rotates the door in a clockwise direction. By way of another example, if the door rotates in a counterclockwise direction and the hinges are on the left side of the door, from the perspective shown and described in relation to Figure 5B, the door opening assembly is coupled to door frame to ensure that the pinion and first arm end is adjacent to the proximate end of the door and hinges. As the arm carries out the opening motion, the second arm end contacts and rotates the door in the counterclockwise direction.

[0191] Following step 1104 a step 1106 is carried out. Step 1106 includes receiving, at the processor, an opening signal that corresponds to a desired rotational displacement direction of the portion of the rotational displacement subassembly that undergoes rotational movement. The rotational movement enables the arm to rotate in the same direction as the door rotating along the hinges and carry out the door opening action. In one embodiment of the present teachings, the opening signal corresponds to a clockwise rotation of the pinion which leads to the clockwise rotation of the door. In another embodiment of the present teachings, the opening signal corresponds to a counterclockwise rotation of the pinion which leads to the counterclockwise rotation of the door.

[0192] Following step 1106, a step 1108 includes recording, to memory, the desired rotational displacement direction such that when the processor receives the opening signal, the processor instructs the rotational displacement subassembly to rotate the portion of the rotational displacement subassembly that undergoes rotational movement in the desired rotational displacement direction. In one embodiment of the present teachings, each time the processor receives the opening signal the processor instructs that the pinion, based on the opening signal, rotate in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Thus, each time the processor receives the opening signal, for example from a push pad or an auxiliary door opening device, the door opening assembly rotates the door to an open position.

[0193] The present teachings recognize that a novel aspect of the door opening assembly, among many, is the ability to use the same door opening assembly with a clockwise rotating door and a counterclockwise rotation door. As such, the present teachings recognize that the desired rotational displacement direction stored in memory may not correspond with a rotational direction for carrying out the door opening action. By way of example, if a door opening assembly is configured to carry out a door opening action in a clockwise direction but is installed above a door that rotates counterclockwise, the desired clockwise rotational displacement direction will not open the counterclockwise rotating door. The door opening assembly, in one embodiment of the present teachings, may be reconfigured to carry out a door opening action in the counterclockwise direction. Similarly, the opening assembly, in another embodiment of the present teachings, may be reconfigured to carry out a door opening action in the clockwise direction.

[0194] To this end, the method of installing the door opening assembly 1100 further includes a decoupling step that includes decoupling the arm from the rotational displacement subassembly to produce a decoupled arm. In one embodiment of the present teachings, the door opening assembly includes a detent subassembly (e.g., detent subassembly 7002 of Figure 7A) that couples and decouples the rotational displacement subassembly from the arm. The detent subassembly, in one implementation of the present teachings, includes one or more one or more couplers (e.g., couplers 7010 of Figure 7A) that couple and decouple rotational displacement subassembly from the arm.

[0195] To decouple the arm from the rotational displacement subassembly, in one embodiment of the present teaching, a compression adjustment fastener (e.g., a compression adjustment fastener 7016), is loosened until one or more couplers, each disposed in an arm plate groove e.g., arm plate groove 7024 of Figure 7A) is not engaged with a corresponding coupler slot (e.g., coupler slot 7022 of Figure 7A). In this unengaged state, an arm e.g., arm 7012 of Figure 7A), which is coupled to the arm plate and the corresponding arm plate grooves is decoupling from the rotational displacement subassembly (e.g., pinion 630 of Figure 6). Thus, the decoupled arm is able to rotate independently of the rotational displacement subassembly.

[0196] Following the decoupling step, a moving step is carried out. The moving step includes moving, using the processor and the desired rotational displacement direction stored in memory, the rotational displacement subassembly until the portion of the rotational displacementsubassembly that undergoes rotation rotates to an open position. During the moving step, the decoupled arm does not move with the portion of the rotational displacement subassembly that undergoes rotation.

[0197] By way of example, if the desired rotational displacement direction stored in memory is clockwise, the portion of the rotational displacement subassembly that undergoes rotation is rotated clockwise to an open position. In one implementation of the present teachings, an actuator is coupled to and laterally moves a first rod end from a retracted position to an extended position. A pinion is coupled to a second rod end. The lateral movement of the first rod end causes the pinion to rotate in a clockwise direction until the open position.

[0198] By way of another example, if the desired rotational displacement direction stored in memory is counterclockwise, the portion of the rotational displacement subassembly that undergoes rotation is rotated counterclockwise to an open position. In one implementation of the present teachings, an actuator laterally moves the first rod end from the extended position to the retracted position. The lateral movement of the first rod end causes the pinion to rotate in the counterclockwise direction.

[0199] Next, a positioning step includes positioning the decoupled arm adjacent to the door. In a preferred embodiment of the present teachings, the second arm end is proximate or in contact with the distal end of the door when the door in a door closed position (z.e., the distal end of the door is coupled with or adjacent to the receiving structure.

[0200] After the positioning step, a coupling step is carried out. The coupling step includes coupling the arm to the rotational displacement subassembly. To couple the arm from the rotational displacement subassembly, in one embodiment of the present teaching, the compression adjustment fastener is tightened until one or more couplers, each disposed in an arm plate groove, are engaged with a corresponding coupler slot. In this engaged state, the arm, which is coupled to the arm plate and the corresponding arm plate grooves, is coupled to the rotational displacement subassembly.

[0201] Next, a receiving step includes receiving, at the processor, another opening signal that corresponds to another desired rotational displacement direction of the portion of the rotational displacement subassembly that undergoes rotational displacement. By way of example, if the opening signal of step 1106 corresponds to a clockwise rotation, the another desired opening signal corresponds to a counterclockwise rotation. By way of another example, if theopening signal of step 1106 corresponds to a counterclockwise rotation, the another desired opening signal corresponds to a clockwise rotation.

[0202] Following the receiving step, a recording step is performed, which includes recording, to memory, the another desired rotational displacement direction such that when the processor receives the another opening signal, the processor instructs the rotational displacement subassembly to rotate in the another desired rotational displacement direction.

[0203] In one implementation of the present teachings, in response to the another opening signal, the actuator laterally moves a first rod end from a retracted position to an extended position. A pinion is coupled to a second rod end. The lateral movement of the first rod end causes the pinion to rotate in a clockwise direction.

[0204] In one implementation of the present teachings, in response to the another opening signal, the actuator laterally moves the first rod end from the extended position to the retracted position. The lateral movement of the first rod end causes the pinion to rotate in the counterclockwise direction.

[0205] Although illustrative embodiments of the present teachings and arrangements are shown and described in terms of solar modules, other modifications, changes, and substitutions are intended. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the disclosure be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure, as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

C AIMSWhat is claimed is1. A door opening assembly comprising: a rotational displacement subassembly capable of displacement in one or more directions; an arm, coupled to the rotational displacement subassembly, such that when a portion of the rotational displacement subassembly undergoes rotational movement in one direction, the arm also rotates in the same direction, and wherein the arm is designed to contact a door and carry out a door opening action; one or more sensors, disposed near or on the rotational displacement subassembly, that measures a magnitude of displacement in one or more the directions and / or a charge displacement associated with the magnitude of displacement of the rotational displacement subassembly; and a processor, communicatively coupled to each of the one or more sensors and the rotational displacement subassembly, for determining, based on the magnitude of displacement, an acceleration corresponding to or commensurate with changes in said magnitude of displacement as a function of time and / or, based on the charge displacement, a rate of change of current as a function of time corresponding to or commensurate with changes in the charge displacement as a function to time; wherein, if the acceleration and / or the rate of change of current as a function of time is greater than or equal to a predetermined acceleration and / or predetermined rate of change of current as a function of time, the processor instructs the rotational displacement subassembly to reverse direction of displacement and / or cease displacement in the one direction and thereby preventing the arm from carrying out the door opening action.

2. The door opening assembly of claim 1, wherein one or more of the sensors measures a magnitude of linear and / or angular displacement of the rotational displacement subassembly in one or more of the directions.

3. The door opening assembly of claim 1, wherein one or more of the sensors measures the charge displacement of a motor associated with the magnitude of displacement of the rotational displacement subassembly.

4. The door opening assembly of claim 2, wherein the processor determines an angular acceleration and / or a linear acceleration of the rotational displacement subassembly.

5. The door opening assembly of claim 1, the rotational displacement subassembly further comprises: a pinion having a central region and a perimeter region, wherein the arm is coupled, at the central region, to the pinion and the perimeter region includes a pinion engaging feature; a rod including a first rod end that is capable of linear movement and a second rod end having disposed thereon a rack engaging feature that engages with the pinion engaging feature; and an actuator, coupled to the first rod end, that bidirectionally moves the first rod end in a linear direction between an extended position and a retracted position such that the rack engaging feature also moves in the same linear direction.

6. The door opening assembly of claim 5, wherein the first rod end is in the retracted position, and the actuator, in one operative state of the door opening assembly, moves the first rod end from the retracted position to the extended position thereby causing rotational movement of the pinion in the one direction and causing the arm to carry out the door opening action.

7. The door opening assembly of claim 5, wherein the first rod end is in the extended position, and the actuator, in another operative state of the door opening assembly, moves the first rod end from the extended position to the retracted position thereby causing rotational movement of the pinion in another direction and causing the arm to carry out the door opening action, wherein the another direction is a direction that is reverse from the one direction.

8. The door opening assembly of claim 5, further comprising: a first contact surface, coupled to the pinion, such that the rotational movement of the rotational displacement subassembly generates an imparting torque at the first contact surface; a second contact surface, coupled to the arm; and a coupler, that couples the first contact surface to the second contact surface such that the imparting torque received at the first contact surface is restricted by presence of the coupler to produce a restricted torque at the second contact surface that is conveyed to the arm.

9. The door opening assembly of claim 8, wherein, upon receiving, at the arm, an external force not resulting from the rotational displacement subassembly, the arm generates an opposing torque effective in a direction that is opposite to the imparting torque and in presence of the opposing torque that is equal to or greater than the restricted torque, the second contact surfacedecouples from the first contact surface such that the arm does not undergo the rotational movement or rotates in the direction that is reverse to the rotational movement.

10. The door opening assembly of claim 8, further comprising one or more springs that generate a spring force between the first contact surface and the coupler and / or the second contact surface and the coupler, wherein the imparting torque received at the first contact surface is restricted by presence of the spring force between the first contact surface and the coupler and / or the second contact surface and the coupler, to produce the restricted torque at the second contact surface.

11. The door opening assembly of claim 10, further comprising a compression adjustment fastener to increase or decrease the spring force between the first contact surface and the coupler and / or the second contact surface and the coupler.

12. The door opening assembly of claim 9, further comprising: a dampener assembly, coupled to and disposed within a housing cavity of a housing, that exerts a first restoring force and a second restoring force on a portion of the rotational displacement subassembly disposed within the housing cavity; wherein, upon receiving at the arm the external force, not resulting from the rotational displacement subassembly, that is greater than the first restoring force or the second restoring force the dampener assembly enables a portion of the rotational displacement subassembly to move in said reverse direction of displacement to reduce and / or eliminate the opposing torque and wherein upon removal of the external force, the first restoring force and / or the second restoring force returns the portion of the rotational displacement subassembly a position prior to movement in the reverse direction of displacement.

13. The door opening assembly of claim 12, wherein the dampener assembly further comprising: a first compression spring that exerts the first restoring force on the rotational displacement subassembly; and a second compression spring that exerts the second restoring force on the rotational displacement subassembly.

14. The door opening assembly of claim 13, wherein the dampener assembly further comprising:a first dampening coupler for coupling the rotational displacement subassembly to the housing, wherein the first dampening coupler includes the first compression spring that exerts the first restoring force in a linear direction; and a second dampening coupler for coupling the rotational displacement subassembly to the housing, wherein the second dampening coupler includes the second compression spring, which is substantially parallel to the first dampening coupler, that exerts a second restoring force in an opposing linear direction that is opposite of the first restoring force.

15. The door opening assembly of claim 12, wherein one or more of the sensors measures the portion of the rotational displacement subassembly moving in the reverse direction of displacement, resulting from the dampener assembly, and, if the acceleration is greater than or equal to a predetermined acceleration, the processor instructs the rotational displacement subassembly to reverse direction of displacement and / or cease displacement in the one direction and thereby preventing the arm from carrying out the door opening action.

16. The door opening assembly of claim 1, wherein the arm is not secured to the door such that, during a non-operative state of the door opening assembly, and in presence of another type of external opening force acting upon the door, the door moves from a door closed position to a door open position independently of the arm.

17. A method of operating a door opening assembly, the method comprising: receiving, at a processor, an opening signal; activating, using the processor, a rotational displacement subassembly to generate an imparting torque such that a portion of the rotational displacement subassembly undergoes rotational movement in one direction; displacing an arm, coupled to the rotational displacement subassembly, using the imparting torque such that the arm undergoes rotational movement in the same direction, contacts a door, and carries out a door opening action; measuring, using one or more displacement sensors disposed near or on the rotational displacement subassembly, a magnitude of displacement in one or more directions and / or a charge displacement associated with the magnitude of displacement of the rotational displacement subassembly; determining, using the processor and based on the magnitude of displacement, an acceleration corresponding to or commensurate with changes in said magnitude of displacementas a function of time and / or, based on the charge displacement, a rate of change of current as a function of time corresponding to or commensurate with changes in the charge displacement as a function to time; and instructing, using the processor, the rotational displacement subassembly to reverse direction if a value of acceleration and / or a value of rate of change of current as a function of time is greater than or equal to a predetermined acceleration and / or predetermined rate of change of current as a function of time and thereby preventing the arm from carrying out the door opening action.

18. The method of operating a door opening assembly of claim 17, wherein measuring includes measuring a magnitude of linear and / or angular displacement of the rotational displacement subassembly in one or more of the directions.

19. The method of operating a door opening assembly of claim 17, wherein determining includes calculating an angular acceleration and / or a linear acceleration of the rotational displacement subassembly.

20. The method of operating a door opening assembly of claim 17, wherein activating the rotational displacement subassembly further includes: engaging an actuator such that a first rod end of a rod, coupled to the actuator, undergoes, in one operational state of the door opening assembly to move the door that rotates about a hinged edge in a counterclockwise direction, linear displacement from an extended position to a retracted position or, in another operational state of the door opening assembly to move the door that pivots about a hinged edge in a clockwise direction, linear displacement from the retracted position to the extended position; rotationally displacing a pinion, engaged with a second rod end of the rod, such that the linear displacement of the rod causes the rotational displacement of the pinion and wherein, in the one operative state of the door opening assembly, the first rod end causes rotational displacement of the pinion in a counterclockwise direction and in the another operative state the first rod end causes rotational displacement of the pinion in a clockwise direction; rotationally moving the arm, having a first arm end coupled to the pinion, in the same rotational direction as the pinion such that in the one operative state the first arm end rotates in the clockwise direction, and in the another operative state, the first arm end rotates in the counterclockwise direction; andcontacting, at a second arm end, the door such that the rotational displacement of the arm causes the door opening action to move the door.

21. The method of operating a door opening assembly of claim 17, further comprising: receiving, at the arm, an external force not resulting from the rotational displacement subassembly; and translating the external force, received at the arm, to an opposing torque operating on at least a portion of the rotational displacement subassembly and in a direction opposite from an imparting torque generated by the rotational displacement subassembly; wherein if the magnitude of the opposing torque is greater than the imparting torque, displacing, using one or more dampening apparatuses, at least a portion of rotational displacement subassembly to reduce or eliminate the opposing torque.

22. The method of operating a door opening assembly of claim 21, further comprising: rotating, using the portion of the rotational displacement subassembly that undergoes rotational movement in one direction, a first contact surface; generating the imparting torque on the first contact surface; coupling, using a coupler, the first contact surface and a second contact surface, which is coupled to the arm; restricting, using the coupler, the imparting torque of the first contact surface to produce a restricted torque at the second contact surface; translating the restricted torque to the arm; and wherein in presence of the opposing torque that is equal to or greater than the restricted torque, decoupling the first contact surface from the second contact surface such that the portion of the rotational displacement subassembly continues to undergo rotational movement in one direction and the arm does not rotate or rotates in a direction opposite of the portion of the rotational displacement subassembly continues to undergo rotational movement.

23. A method of installing a door opening assembly, the method comprising: obtaining a door opening assembly that includes a processor coupled to a rotational displacement subassembly, a portion of which undergoes rotational movement in one or more directions, and an arm that is coupled to and rotates, in the same rotational direction as the portion of the rotational displacement subassembly and that is designed to contact a door and carry out a door opening action;securing the door opening assembly above a door, coupled to a door frame using one or more hinges, such a first arm end and the portion of the rotational displacement subassembly which undergoes rotational movement are adjacent to a proximate end of the door and a second arm end is adjacent to a distal end of the door and when the arm carries out the door opening action, the second arm end contacts the door and rotates the door along a hinged edge in the same rotational direction as the arm; receiving, at the processor, an opening signal that corresponds to a desired rotational displacement direction of the portion of the rotational displacement subassembly that undergoes rotational movement to enable the arm to rotate in the same direction as the door rotating along the hinged edge and carry out the door opening action; and recording, to memory, the desired rotational displacement direction such that when the processor receives the opening signal, the processor instructs the rotational displacement subassembly to rotate the portion of the rotational displacement subassembly that undergoes rotational movement in the desired rotational displacement direction.

24. The method of installing the door opening assembly of claim 23, further comprising: decoupling the arm from the rotational displacement subassembly to produce a decoupled arm; moving, using the processor and the desired rotational displacement direction stored in memory, the rotational displacement subassembly to a predefined open position; positioning the decoupled arm to be adjacent to the door; coupling the decouple arm to the rotational displacement subassembly; receiving, at the processor, another opening signal that corresponds to another desired rotational displacement direction of the portion of the rotational displacement subassembly that undergoes rotational movement; and recording, to memory, the another desired rotational displacement direction such that when the processor receives the another opening signal, the processor instructs the rotational displacement subassembly to rotate in the another desired rotational displacement direction.

25. The method of installing the door opening assembly of claim 24, wherein moving the rotational displacement subassembly to the predefined open position further comprises: activating an actuator such that a first rod end, coupled to the actuator undergoes, in one operational state of the door opening assembly, linear displacement from an extended position toa retracted position and a second rod end, having disposed thereon a rack engaging feature, engages with a perimeter region of a pinion causing the pinion to rotate in the another desired rotational direction and / or, in another operational state, activating an actuator such that the first rod end linear displacement from the retracted position to the extended position and a second rod end thereby causing the pinion to rotate in the another desired rotational direction.

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