Patent ID: 7045725
Filing Date: 2006-05-16
Classification: E05F,E05Y,E06B

Abstract:
1. A safety sensor for a power operated overhead door comprising: an elongated housing made of non-conductive material and having an elongated pathway, said pathway having a circular cross-section along its length, with the midpoint of the pathway being of greater diameter than the diameters of the distal ends thereof, and with the pathway tapering inwardly from said midpoint to the distal ends thereof; said housing having a recess portion at each distal end of the elongated pathway; an electrical contact disposed in each said recess portion and connected to the electrical power system of the overhead door; a ball bearing disposed in said elongated pathway, each electrical contact including a conductive ring and an electrical contact pin, said conductive ring and contact pin being spaced from each other at a distance less than the diameter of the ball bearing; and said elongated housing being mounted horizontally to the door whereby upon the door being tilted, said ball bearing will roll to the respective recess portion to establish an electrical contact for disengaging the electrical power system thereby stopping movement of the door.