Patent Publication Number: US-11655662-B2

Title: Door positioning system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/359,780 filed on Mar. 20, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,174,664, which claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/645,499 filed Mar. 20, 2018 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/645,515 filed Mar. 20, 2018. All applications in this paragraph are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety, for any purpose, and to which priority is claimed. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     For some people, physically closing interior doors in the home all the time or even every night may not be appealing or may be burdensome. In regards to fire safety, a closed door may greatly reduce the spread of fire and smoke. This can save lives, limit damage, and in some cases even help suppress the fire. In other situations, such as a non-emergency event, it may be desirable for a door closing device to be remotely operated to open or close a door in response to a signal. There exists a need for an apparatus, system, and methods that open or close a door when triggered by an input, for example, a built-in smoke detector, an audio trigger from a smoke detector, a wireless signal from a home protection system, or a manual button by a user. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     In some examples, an apparatus may include a baseplate configured to be coupled to a bottom portion of a door, the door configured to be positioned in an open door position, a closed door position, and a plurality of door positions in between the open position and closed position; a motor; circuitry electrically coupled to the motor and configured to be in communication with a remote computing device; at least one proximity sensor electrically coupled to the circuitry and configured to determine the door position with respect to a door frame; a drive wheel coupled to the motor and the circuitry, the drive wheel including an external surface, the external surface of the drive wheel configured to rotatably contact a ground surface; and wherein the motor is configured to be remotely activated by the remote computing device to engage the drive wheel to rotatably contact the ground surface to reposition the door responsive to receipt of a signal. 
     In some examples, the motor may be configured to harvest energy from motion of the door. 
     In some examples, the apparatus may include a latching doorknob including: a doorknob motor; doorknob circuitry electrically coupled to the doorknob motor and configured to be remotely connected to the remote computing device; a power transmission assembly coupled to the doorknob motor and configured to translate a rotational movement of the doorknob motor to a linear movement of a latch mechanism responsive to receipt of the signal. 
     In some examples, the latch mechanism may include a latch with a first end and a second end, and a latch housing with a hollow central portion and a first end formed by a plate with an aperture connected to the hollow central portion; wherein the power transmission assembly is coupled to the second end of the latch; wherein in response to the receipt of the signal, the power transmission assembly is configured to horizontally translate the latch within the hollow central portion of the latch housing and the first end of the latch is positioned within the aperture of the plate or within the hollow central portion of the latch housing; and wherein the latch mechanism is configured to be coupled to a first doorknob and a second doorknob. 
     In some examples, the drive wheel may be configured to accommodate combinations of doors and types of floor. 
     In some examples, the apparatus may further include a second motor coupled to a brake, the second motor configured to move the brake into an engaged position to prevent rotational movement of the drive wheel, and the second motor is configured to be remotely activated by the remote computing device responsive to receipt of the signal. 
     In some examples, the apparatus may be configured to receive the signal from at least one of the following: a smoke detector, a temperature detector, a carbon monoxide detector, a home alarm system, a mobile device, or a smart home hub. 
     In some examples, the apparatus may include a gearbox coupling the motor and the drive wheel, wherein the drive wheel is directly coupled to an output shaft of the gearbox. 
     In some examples, the apparatus may include a receiver configured to receive the signal and a processor configured, responsive to the signal, to trigger the motor to move the door into the closed door position. 
     In some examples, the apparatus may include a bracket biasedly coupled to the baseplate, the motor and drive wheel coupled to the bracket, and wherein the biased coupling of the bracket to the baseplate is configured to adjust a vertical position of the drive wheel with respect to the baseplate. 
     In some examples, the apparatus may include a bracket configured to be coupled to the bottom portion of the door and biasedly coupled to the baseplate, the motor and drive wheel coupled to the baseplate, and wherein the biased coupling of the bracket to the baseplate is configured to adjust a vertical position of the drive wheel with respect to the bracket. 
     In some examples, the apparatus may include a speaker electrically coupled to the circuitry and configured to produce an audio signal responsive to receipt of the signal. 
     In some examples, the apparatus includes an LED electrically coupled to the circuitry and configured to produce a visual signal visible on an exterior of the apparatus responsive to receipt of the signal. 
     In some examples, the apparatus may include a manual override button electrically coupled to the circuitry and configured to override the remote activation of the motor responsive to receipt of the signal. 
     In some examples, the apparatus may include a first doorknob; a second doorknob; a latch mechanism coupling the first doorknob and the second doorknob; a doorknob motor; doorknob circuitry electrically coupled to the doorknob motor and configured to be in communication with a remote computing device, wherein the doorknob motor is configured to be remotely activated by the remote computing device responsive to receipt of a signal; and a power transmission assembly coupled to the doorknob motor and configured to translate a rotational movement of the doorknob motor responsive to receipt of the signal to a linear movement of the latch mechanism; the apparatus configured to be coupled to a door, with the first doorknob positioned on an interior side or exterior side of the door, and the second doorknob positioned on the other of the interior side or exterior side of the door, and the latch mechanism extending through a portion of the door between the interior side and exterior side of the door. 
     In some examples, the power transmission assembly may further include a driver gear coupled to the doorknob motor and a gear rack coupled to the latch mechanism. 
     In some examples, the latch mechanism may include a latch with a first end and a second end, and a latch housing with a hollow central portion and a first end formed by a plate with an aperture connected to the hollow central portion; wherein the power transmission assembly is coupled to the second end of the latch; wherein in response to the receipt of the signal, the power transmission assembly is configured to horizontally translate the latch within the hollow central portion of the latch housing and the first end of the latch is positioned within the aperture of the plate or within the hollow central portion of the latch housing. 
     In some examples, an apparatus may include a door positioning device including a baseplate configured to be a coupled to the door; a motor; circuitry electrically coupled to the motor and configured to be in communication with the remote computing device; at least one proximity sensor electrically coupled to the circuitry and configured to determine a door position upon the receipt of the signal; a drive wheel coupled to the motor and the circuitry; and wherein the motor is configured to be remotely activated by the remote computing device to engage the drive wheel to reposition the door responsive to receipt of the signal. 
     In some examples, an apparatus may include a door positioning device including a baseplate configured to be coupled to a bottom portion of a door, the door configured to be positioned in an open door position, a closed door position, and a plurality of door positions in between the open position and closed position; a motor; circuitry electrically coupled to the motor and configured to be in communication with a remote computing device; at least one proximity sensor electrically coupled to the circuitry and configured to determine the door position; and a drive wheel coupled to the motor and the circuitry, the drive wheel including an external surface, the external surface of the drive wheel configured to contact a ground surface; a latching doorknob including a doorknob motor; a doorknob circuitry electrically coupled to the doorknob motor and configured to be communication with the remote computing device; a power transmission assembly coupled to the doorknob motor and configured to translate a rotational movement of the doorknob motor to a linear movement of a latch mechanism responsive to receipt of a signal; wherein the doorknob motor is configured to be remotely activated by the remote computing device to engage the power transmission assembly responsive to receipt of the signal to disengage the latch mechanism from a door frame; and wherein the motor is configured to be remotely activated by the remote computing device to engage the drive wheel to rotatably contact the ground surface to reposition the door responsive to receipt of the signal and after the latch mechanism is confirmed to be disengaged from the door frame. 
     In some examples, the latch mechanism may be configured to be coupled to a first doorknob and a second doorknob. 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. A more extensive presentation of features, details, utilities, and advantages of the present disclosure as defined in the claims is provided in the following written description of various embodiments of the disclosure and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The images which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate examples and methods of use for the present disclosure according to the teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  1    is a system in accordance with an embodiment of a door positioning device. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of an example door positioning system, in accordance with the present disclosure in combination with a door member, a door frame, and a floor. 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of an example door positioning system in accordance with the present disclosure in combination with a door member, a door frame, and a floor. 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of an example door positioning system in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5    is a side view of an example door positioning system in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of components of an example door positioning system in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of components of an example door positioning system in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of components of an example door positioning system in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective view of components of an example door positioning system in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view of components of an example door positioning system in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  11    is a perspective view of an example door positioning system in accordance with the present disclosure a door member, a door frame, and a floor. 
         FIG.  12    is a perspective view of components of an example door positioning system in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  13    is a perspective view of components of an example door positioning system in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  14    is a perspective view of components of an example door positioning system in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  15    is a perspective view of components of an example door positioning system in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  16    is a perspective view of components of an example door positioning system in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  17    is a perspective view of components of an example door positioning system in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  18    is a perspective view of components of an example door positioning system in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  19    is a front view of components of an example door positioning system in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  20    is a front view of components of an example door positioning system in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  21    is a perspective view of components of an example door positioning system in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  22    is perspective view of components of an example door positioning system in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  23    is a schematic of an example system in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  24    is a schematic of an example system in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  25    is a schematic of an example system in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  26    is a schematic of an example system in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  27    is a schematic of an example system in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  28    is a schematic of an example system in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  29    is a schematic of an example system in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  30    is a schematic of an example system in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  31    is a perspective view of components of an example door positioning system in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  32    is a perspective view of components of an example door positioning system in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  33    is an partial perspective view of components of an example door positioning system in accordance with the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various examples of a system for opening and/or closing a door in response to a remote signal are disclosed herein. In accordance with examples herein, a system for opening or closing a door in response to a receipt of a signal may include an apparatus coupled to a door having the capability to move or alter a position of the door, and a control system that may be used to receive a remote signal to move or alter the position of the door and send a signal to the apparatus to move or alter the position or the door. In some examples, the apparatus and control system are electrically connected. Remote signals and/or remote computing devices described herein generally includes signals which may be generated at a location other than the door to be activated by the signal and/or computing devices which are not mounted to or mechanically connected to the door. In some examples, the remote signals may be generated at and/or the remote computing devices may be located at a location which is in the room associated with the door, in the building associated with the door, outside the building associated with the door, and/or at a location other than the door which is in wired or wireless electronic communication with a device on the door. 
       FIG.  1    is a system in accordance with an embodiment of a door positioning system. 
     In accordance with examples herein, the system  1000  for closing a door in response to a receipt of a signal may include an apparatus  1002  coupled to a door having the capability to move or alter a position of the door, and a control system  1004  that may be used to receive a remote signal to move or alter the position of the door and send or communicate a signal to the apparatus to move or alter the position or the door. In some examples, the apparatus  1002  and control system  1004  are electrically connected. In some examples, the control system  1004  includes a receiver to receive the remote signal and a processor to trigger a motor of a power transmission assembly of  1002  to move the door into the closed door position. In some examples, the control system  1004  includes a receiver to receive the remote signal and a processor to trigger a motor of a power transmission assembly of  1002  to open a latch of a doorknob and trigger a motor of a power transmission assembly to move the door into an open position. 
     In some examples, the system  1000  may include a communication system  1006  that may be used to communicate various information with and about the apparatus  1002  and control system  1004 . In some examples, the communication system  1006  is electrically connected to the apparatus  1002  and the control system  1004 . In some examples, this communicated information may include a status of the apparatus  1002 , a positional status of the door such as if the door is in an open position or a closed position, a status of the control system  1004  communicates a signal to the control system  1004 , receives a communication or a signal from the control system  1004 , etc. 
     In some examples, the system includes an apparatus, such as a door-mounted smart home door position control device that controls the movement (opening or closing) of or repositions the door by a drive wheel that contacts the floor or ground surface and is controlled by a motor. The device may be controlled by an application (“app”), such as a program that can run on a remote computing device, such as a computer, smartphone, tablet, or other computing device or via a dedicated remote control that, in some examples, may share similar characteristics as garage door controllers. In some examples, the device is mounted to the interior of an inswing door with the drive wheel at the free-swinging end of the door. 
     In some examples, location and proximity sensing may be used in the door positioning system. This function may use GPS, cellular signals, Bluetooth, NFC, wifi or similar wireless communication protocol or a combination of them. In some examples, the user may elect to automatically have doors close or close and lock when they leave the immediate area of the house with their phone or tablet or remote computing device. In some examples, doors could be programmed to unlock and open when the user returns to the immediate area enhancing security and convenience. 
     In some examples, the door positioning system may be used in conjunction with other smart home devices via a smart home hub using “if this then that” (IFTTT) controls (or other protocol controls in other examples) to provide as many different specific options as the user may wish to program. For example, door position can have benefits to home security and safety in the case of fire, earthquake or other events. Connecting the door position control device to a home automation system or IFTTT hub may help provide a variety of options including, but not limited to: closing the door when the smoke detectors are activated to slow fire growth, engaging door stops to hinder access into the home in the event of suspicion activity captured by a home security system, or opening and closing doors to better enable movement by a person with a disability. In some examples, the ability to control the position of doors can provide other benefits related to energy consumptions and savings—for example ensuring exterior doors are closed when air conditioning systems are engaged. 
     Examples of systems for opening and or closing a door in response to a signal are described herein. 
       FIG.  2    is a perspective view of an example door positioning system  100 , in accordance with the present disclosure, in combination with a door  106 , a wall  108 , a frame  110 , and a floor or ground surface  112 . In some examples, the door positioning system  100  may include a door positioning device  102 . In some examples, the door positioning system  100  may include a doorknob  104 . In some examples, the door positioning system  100  includes both door positioning device  102  and doorknob  104 . In some examples, the door positioning device  102  is permanently or temporarily coupled to a bottom portion of the door  106 . 
       FIG.  3    is a perspective view of an example door positioning system in accordance with the present disclosure in combination with a door  106 , a frame  110 , and a floor  112 . The frame  110  may include a door sill  114 . In some examples, the door  106  includes a proximity sensor cutout  116 , which includes a hole or channel that extends through a width of the door, from an interior side  118  to an exterior side  120 . The door positioning system  100  may include the door positioning device  102  fixedly or adjustably mounted on the interior side  118  or the exterior side  120  of the door  106 . In examples where the door positioning device  102  is positioned or mounted on the interior side  118 , a proximity sensor may be inserted at least partially through the proximity sensor cutout  116  and the door positioning device  102  may monitor the position of the door  106  using the proximity sensor&#39;s reading of proximity to the door sill  114 . For example, an indication of the proximity of the door positioning device  102  to the door sill  114  based upon, in some examples, the proximity sensor&#39;s reading of proximity to the door sill  114  may cause the door positioning device  102  to engage to move the door or trigger the door positioning device  102  to engage to cease movement of the door. The proximity sensor&#39;s reading of the door sill proximity may also be communicated and used by other apparatus of the system, such as a doorknob  900 . For example, if a remote signal is received by the system to open the door, if the proximity sensor indicates the door sill&#39;s proximity is within a range of distances that the system has predetermined to identify the door is closed, the system may then trigger a latch mechanism of the doorknob  900  to move the latch. Once the latch is moved, the door positioning device  102  may be engaged to open the door to move it away from the sill. 
     The door positioning system may include advantages over other door control devices, such as, but not limited to the ability to work with variety of door opening angles. Most existing door control devices are restricted to a certain opening angle or amount (for example 90 degree openers or 180 degree openers). The door positioning system can open and close a variety of angle doors without changing the design or components of the system. The system is not inherently restricted in range of travel like other door opening and closing devices. In use, a signal may be sent from the remote computing device and received by the door positioning device. Responsive to the signal, a power transmission assembly may be activated, and a main motor may to rotate and transmit power through a gearbox and a drive wheel. This may cause the drive wheel to rotate, either in a first or second direction, such as a forward or backward direction. An external surface of the drive wheel may continuously or intermittently contact the floor or ground while the drive wheel is rotating to facilitate movement of the door. The range of the door position being altered or adjusted may be controlled via the remote device, so the door may be moved from being fully closed to partially open or fully open, and the door may be moved from being fully open to partially open or fully closed, etc. Unlike current closing devices, the door does not need to be either fully open or fully closed to operate or to cease operation. 
       FIGS.  4  and  5    are a front and side view of an example door positioning system in accordance with the present disclosure. The door positioning system  100  may include a door positioning device  102 . In some examples, the door positioning device  102  may be generally rectangular or box shaped, with a front side  232 , a rear side  234 , two vertical sides  236 , a top side  238 , and a bottom side  240 . The door positioning device  102  may also include a first LED  214 , positioned on or visible when viewed from the front side  232 . A second LED  216  may be positioned on or visible when viewed from the top side  238 . An open side proximity sensor  206  may be positioned to extend through the front side  232 , in some examples near the lower edge  226 . A speaker grill  218  may also be positioned on the front side  232 , the speaker grill  218  including apertures that extend through the front side  232  to allow the produced audio signals from a speaker (see  FIG.  6   ) to be heard better by users. A manual stop button  212  may also extend away from or through the front side  232 . The door positioning device  102  may include a closed side proximity sensor  208  extending away from the rear side  234 . A drive wheel  312  may extend away from the bottom side  240 . 
     The door positioning device  102  may include a baseplate  210  and an enclosure cover  202 . In some examples, the baseplate  210  forms the rear side  234 , and a portion of each vertical side  236  of the door positioning device  102 . In some examples, the enclosure cover  202  forms the top side  238 , front side  232 , and a portion of each vertical side  236  of the door positioning device  102 . In some examples, the bottom side  240  may be not be a solid panel, and is instead formed by lower edge  226  that forms a border about the perimeter of the bottom side  240 . In some examples, the bottom side  240  is a solid panel formed by either the baseplate  210  or the enclosure cover  202 , or a combination of the bottom side  240  and enclosure cover  202  with a cutout aperture for the drive wheel  312  to extend beyond the bottom side  240 . 
       FIG.  6    is a perspective view of an example door positioning system in accordance with the present disclosure, with some features of  FIG.  5   , such as the enclosure cover  202 , first LED  214 , second LED  216 , and manual stop button  212 , hidden. The baseplate  210  may include a vertical rear panel  230 , and two vertical base plate sides  228 . In some examples, the two vertical baseplate sides  228  may be positioned normally to the rear panel  230 . The baseplate  210  may also include at least one intermediate wall  326 , positioned horizontally between the two vertical base plate sides  228 . In some examples, the at least one intermediate wall  326  may be generally parallel to the baseplate side  228 . The intermediate walls  326  may also include holes, cutouts or positioning features to allow for the various circuitry of the door positioning device  102  to be connected. 
     In some examples, the baseplate side  228  may include an axel seat  322 , a hole that extends partially or fully through one of the base plate sides  228 . A bearing may be positioned within the axel seat  322 . 
     The baseplate  210  may include at least one mounting hole  330  extending through the rear panel  230 , so that fasteners may extend through the holes to mount the baseplate  210  to the door  106 . The rear panel  230  may also include an additional aperture or cutout to allow the closed side proximity sensor  208  to extend through the rear panel  230 , and eventually through the door that the door positioning device  102  is coupled or connected to. 
     In some examples, the door positioning device  102  includes a power transmission assembly  332 . The power transmission assembly  332  may include a main motor  302 , a gearbox  310 , and a drive wheel  312 . In some examples, the main motor  302  is fixedly or adjustably mounted to the baseplate  210  and engages and turns the drive wheel  312 . The main motor  302  may be coupled to the gearbox  310 , such that the rotational output speed of the output shaft of the main motor  302  may be multiplied (sped up) or divided (slowed down). In some examples, the motor  302  and gearbox  310  are integrated into an integrated gearbox, in some examples with an offset output shaft, enhancing the compactness of the power transmission assembly. An output shaft  314  of the gearbox  310  may engage the drive wheel  312 . In other examples, the output shaft of the main motor  302  may be coupled to the drive wheel  312  using a belt and pulley assembly, a synchronous belt assembly, a gear drive, a chain and tooth, a clutch, or other power transmission assemblies. 
     The power transmission assembly  332  may include the drive wheel  312 , with an inner surface  318  and an external surface  324 , and a drive wheel axel  320 . In some examples, the inner surface  318  includes teeth, or a surface treatment to increase the coefficient of friction of the inner surface  318 . In some examples, the output shaft  314  of the gearbox  310  engages the inner surface  318  of the drive wheel  312 , such that the rotational motion of the output shaft  314  is transmitted to the drive wheel  312 , this rotating the drive wheel  312 . In some examples, the output shaft  314  also includes teeth to mesh or engage with the teeth on the inner surface  318 . In some examples, the output shaft  314  includes a surface treatment to increase the coefficient of friction of the outside of the output shaft  314  to better or more efficiently engage with the inner surface  318  of the drive wheel  312  using a friction drive mechanism. In other examples, the output shaft  314  of the gearbox  310  may be coupled to the drive wheel  312  using a belt and pulley assembly, gear drive, chain and tooth or others. In some examples, the output shaft  314  may be directly coupled to the drive wheel. In use, the external surface  324  of the drive wheel may contact the floor  112  to facilitate movement or repositioning of the door  106 . The external surface  324  of the wheel may include a tread or patterned surface, and/or be formed from a material with a high coefficient of friction, such as rubber, plastics, etc., to help the wheel engage with the floor without spinning or freewheeling. 
     In some examples, the door positioning device  102  includes a speaker  308 . The speaker  308  may be positioned behind or near the speaker grill  218  ( FIG.  4   ). 
     The door positioning device  102  may include a power source, such as a battery, or provide for hard wiring to an electrical source separate from the door positioning device  102  or door positioning system  100 . In some examples, a battery bracket  334  is coupled or mounted to the baseplate  210 . The battery bracket  334  may be positioned to be accessible to the user for changing batteries, battery packs or connecting a charging cable. 
     The door positioning device  102  also includes circuitry to electrically connect various components such as the open side proximity sensor  206 , closed side proximity sensor  208 , main motor  302 , battery bracket  334 , speaker  308 , first LED  214 , second LED  216 , and the manual stop button  212 . In some examples, the door positioning device  102  includes a PCBA  304  which includes the control circuit and wireless radio to allow it to interface to the remote computing device. 
     An enclosure covers the entire circuitry, batteries and mechanism. In some examples, an external cover contains openings to allow the wheel to contact the floor, LED lights to illuminate the door and surrounding area, a speaker grill and a manual stop button. 
     In some examples, the device may include energy harvesting, i.e., gathering, components. Energy harvesting (also known as power harvesting or energy scavenging or ambient power) is the process by which energy is derived from external sources (e.g., solar power, thermal energy, wind energy, salinity gradients, and kinetic energy, also known as ambient energy), gathered (or captured) and stored. For example, energy may be harvested, i.e., gathered, from the action of the user opening and/or closing the door manually. During the motion of the door opening and/or closing, the drive wheel  312  travels along the floor or ground and turns via friction with the floor. This motion may turn the main motor  302  via the power transmission assembly  332  creating current which may be used to charge the batteries and/or store the energy in a capacitor. In this manner the circuitry components, such as the PCBA, can be configured to provide energy harvesting. 
     In some examples, the door positioning device includes the baseplate  210  fixedly or adjustably mounted to the lower portion of the door. When assembled, the drive wheel axel  320  may extend through the drive wheel  312  with an end positioned or extending through the axel seat  322  in the baseplate side  228  to help maintain alignment of the drive wheel axel  320  and the drive wheel  312 . In use, a signal is sent from the remote computing device and received by the door positioning device  102 . Responsive to the signal, the main motor  302  may rotate and transmit power through the gearbox  310  and to the drive wheel  312 . This may cause the drive wheel  312  to rotate, either in a first or second direction, such as a forward or backward direction. In some examples, the output shaft of the gearbox may contact the inner surface  318  of the drive wheel  312  to rotate the wheel. The external surface  324  of the drive wheel  312  may continuously or intermittently contact the floor  112  while the drive wheel  312  is rotating to facilitate movement of the door  106 . 
     In some examples, the proximity switches or sensors  206 ,  208  provide information about the position of certain components relative to each other. In some examples, when the door positioning device  102  is being operated or receives a signal from the remote computing device, the proximity sensors  206 ,  208  may be used to indicate when the door has reached the open and closed positions, and receipt of these signals may trigger the main motor  302  to stop, so that the drive wheel  312  stops rotating. In some examples, the main drive motor circuit, including the PCBA  304 , may also use a peak load setting, such as may be similar to technology used in garage doors, to ensure the motor stops if the door experiences unacceptable force—either due to outside interference or some other issue. In some examples, the door positioning device includes a proximity sensor  208 , positioned with an opening in the baseplate  210  and the door proximity sensor cutout  116  in the door, to indicate when the door is closed, for example, when the closed door is in contact with the jamb, threshold or sill and the proximity of the components activates the proximity sensor. In some examples, the open side proximity sensor  206  is directed in the opposite direction of the closed side proximity sensor  208 , and the open side proximity sensor  206  may be used to detect when the door is close to, or to an extent it contacts, an adjacent wall or some other surface. Other positions of the proximity sensors may be used to achieve the same result. 
     In some examples, the door positioning device  102  uses the speaker  308 , LED lighting  214 ,  216 , or a combination of speaker and LED components to notify a user when the door  106  is going to move or provide audible and visual indicators to help locate the door in low visibility conditions or other circumstances when it would be helpful, such as a power loss at the home. In some examples, these indicators may be used to notify the users if there is a low battery or other electro-mechanical issue. 
     In some examples, the door positioning device  102  includes the manual stop button  212 . In use, the manual stop button  212  may be desirable in the instance where if the door reaches the adjacent wall, door stop or other obstacle while opening, the manual stop button  212  will be depressed and stop the motion of the door. A user may also engage the manual stop button  212  to stop or manually override the operation of the door positioning device  102 . 
     In some examples, the door positioning system  100  may include a hinge-mounted door position sensor or switch  122  that may also be used to monitor the position of the door and report it via a wireless signal. The information from such door switches could be used by the user or processed automatically by the remote computing device so the user can determine if the door is opened or closed and then elect to activate the door positioning device  102 . In some examples, the door positioning system may also include the capability to operate in conjunction with home automation systems or devices that include the use of timers and automation actions. In some examples, a user may desire to ensure all doors are automatically closed in the evening if they are in the open position at a certain time of day. A door position switch may be used in conjunction with the door positioning system for this aspect. 
       FIGS.  7  and  8    are perspective views of an example door positioning system  100  in accordance with the present disclosure.  FIGS.  7  and  8    show a door positioning device  102  similar to that shown in  FIG.  6   , but  FIGS.  7  and  8    include a brake assembly  402 . The brake assembly  402  may include a brake motor  404  coupled to a gearbox  406  coupled to a brake  408 . The brake assembly  402  may be electrically connected to the PCBA  304 . The brake  408  may be oblong, egg-like, or cam-shaped, and an output shaft of the gearbox  406  coupled to the center of the brake  408  to allow rotation of the brake  408  while positioned adjacent to the baseplate  210 . The brake  408  is positioned with respect to the drive wheel  312  so that in a brake-engaged position  414  as shown in  FIG.  7   , the brake  408  contacts the external surface  324  of the drive wheel  312 .  FIG.  8    shows the brake  408  in a brake disengaged position  416 , so that the brake  408  does not contact or interfere with the external surface  324  of the drive wheel  312 . 
       FIG.  8    also shows that, in some examples, the door positioning device  102  includes different mounting positions for the drive wheel axel  320 . First alternate mounting location  410  and second alternate mounting location  412  are holes extending partially or fully through the baseplate side  228  so that the door positioning device  102  may be adjusted so the height of drive wheel  312  may accommodate different types of floor and door combinations. In some examples, the main motor  302  and gearbox  310  can be mounted to the baseplate  210  using slots  418  to allow height adjustment of the main motor  302  and gearbox  310  to help ensure the power transmission assembly  332  is aligned properly with the floor and the existing door and that the main motor  302  and gearbox  310  still properly engage the drive wheel  312 . In some examples, the brake assembly  402  may be mounted to the baseplate  210  using slots  420  to allow for the height or position of the brake assembly  402  to be adjusted. 
     In use, the brake assembly  402  may be used as a door stop mode feature. By engaging the brake  408  on the drive wheel  312 , the door positioning device  102  may act as a door stop. The brake  408  may be a secondary mechanism that helps create a physical stop to prevent the drive wheel  312  from turning or by affecting or energizing the main motor  302  in a way that restricts motion of the drive wheel. In some examples, the user can use the remote computing device, or specific features of an app or program on the remote computing device, to specify the door opening amount and then engage the door stop mode so that the brake motor  404  engages the gearbox  406  to rotate the brake  408  to contact the external surface  324  of the drive wheel  312 . The contact between the brake  408  and the drive wheel  312  will help to hold the door in that position under normal and/or reasonable conditions. 
       FIGS.  9  and  10    are perspective views of an exemplary door positioning system in accordance with the present disclosure.  FIGS.  9  and  10    are similar to  FIGS.  7  and  8   .  FIGS.  9  and  10    also show a proximity sensor  502 , positioned to extend through the baseplate side  228 . The baseplate side  228  of  FIGS.  9  and  10    may include an aperture or hole extending through the sidewall to accommodate the proximity sensor  502 . 
     In use, the proximity sensor  502  may be angled with respect to the opening in the door frame and may be used within the door positioning device  102  of the door positioning system  100  to determine when the door is in a closed position, by sensing the door frame  110  or jamb or wall. 
       FIGS.  11  and  12    are perspective views of an example door positioning system in accordance with the present disclosure. The door positioning device  102  may also include a bracket  602  and biasing elements  604 , i.e., spring elements, to form a spring-loaded slider bracket, as shown in  FIG.  12   . The bracket  602  may have a footprint that is larger than that of the baseplate  210 . An outside border  612  of the bracket  602  may be raised to form a ridge that extends away from a main surface  614  of the bracket  602 . The biasing elements  604  may be positioned within the border  612 , along at least one edge, such as the upper edge  616  shown in  FIGS.  11  and  12   . The bracket  602  may also include tabs  606  that extend inward from the border  612  along the two sides  618 . The tabs  606  may have a thickness that is smaller than that of the border  612 , so that the tabs are cantilevered inward. The tabs  606  on the bracket  602  may engage with a mating slot  608  in the baseplate side  228  (see  FIG.  11   ). The bracket  602  may also include mounting holes to allow for fasteners to extend through the bracket  602  to mount the bracket  602  to the door. 
     In use, the bracket  602  may be coupled to the door  106 , with the baseplate  210  then adjustably coupled to the bracket  602 . The tabs  606  on the bracket  602  may extend through the slot  608  on the baseplate  210 , allowing the baseplate to slide up and down vertically with respect to the bracket  602 . The biasing elements  604  may press down or engage with the top side  238  of the enclosure cover  202  so that the door positioning device  102  can flex upward or downward if needed to maintain contact with the floor. The use of the bracket  602  and biasing elements  604  in a door positioning device  102  may allow for imperfections in the door, wall or floor to not affect or prevent the door positioning device  102  from operating as desired and to help ensure the drive wheel is in substantially constant contact with and maintains pressure against the floor. 
       FIGS.  13  and  14    are perspective views of an example door positioning system in accordance with the present disclosure.  FIGS.  13  and  14    may be similar to the door positioning device  102  of  FIGS.  7  and  8   .  FIGS.  13  and  14    may also include an internal bracket  702  and biasing elements  704 , i.e., spring elements. In some examples, the bracket  702  may be biasedly (i.e., elastically through the spring elements  704 ) coupled to the baseplate  210 . The internal bracket  702  includes a main body  712 , with a raised border formed by its upper edge  722  and sides  720 . The upper edge  722  and sides  720  may be generally normal to the main body  712  of the internal bracket  702 . The internal bracket  702  may include tabs  708  extending from either side  720 . The tabs  708  may fit within a slot  706  formed in the intermediate wall  326  of the baseplate  210 . The internal bracket  702  may also include an aperture in its side  720  to allow the drive wheel axel  320  to extend through it. 
     The baseplate  210  may also include an upper wall  714  that is generally parallel to the upper edge  722  of the internal bracket  702 . When assembled, biasing elements  704  may be positioned between the upper edge  722  of the internal bracket  702  and the upper wall  714  of the baseplate  210 .  FIG.  13    shows the internal bracket  702  in an extended position  716 .  FIG.  14    shows the internal bracket  702  in a compressed position  718 , with the biasing elements  704  compressed. When assembled, the internal bracket  702  may be positioned so that it fits between the baseplate side  228  and an intermediate wall  326 . 
     In  FIGS.  13  and  14   , the power transmission assembly  332  is coupled to the internal bracket  702  and slidably coupled to the baseplate  210  via slots  420 . This may differ from the power transmission assembly  332  being coupled to the baseplate  210  as shown in  FIG.  8   . As shown in  FIG.  8   , the slots  420  do allow for the height adjustment of the power transmission assembly  332 , but the adjustment is static, such that the height of power transmission assembly  332  will not change as the door positioning device  102  is operated. In  FIGS.  13  and  14   , the height of the power transmission assembly  332  may be adjusted both statically (via the slots) and prior to operation of door positioning device  102 , and dynamically (via the interaction of the internal bracket  702 , the biasing element  704 , and the slots  420 ) during the operation of the door positioning device  102 . 
     In use, the door positioning device  102  including the internal bracket  702  allows that the relative height of the power transmission assembly  332  will dynamically adjust so that the drive wheel  312  can statically and dynamically accommodate, during the initial setup and during the operation of the door positioning device  102 , different types of floor and door combinations. The power transmission assembly  332  may be mounted to the baseplate using slots to allow adjustment in positioning to help ensure the drive wheel and output shaft are correctly aligned when the drive wheel  312  contacts the floor. The power transmission assembly  332  is also mounted to a spring-biased internal bracket  702  so the power transmission assembly  332  can flex up or down as needed to maintain contact with the floor during installation or during operation of the door positioning device  102 . The tab  708  extending from each side  720  of the internal bracket  702  engages with the slot  706  formed in the baseplate side  228  and intermediate wall  326  of the baseplate  210 . The engagement of each tab  708  and slot  706  helps maintain alignment of the drive wheel axel  320  and the drive wheel  312  before and during operation and the height of the power transmission assembly  332  may change. 
       FIGS.  15 - 20    are various views of components of a door positioning system in accordance with the present disclosure.  FIGS.  15  and  16    include a doorknob assembly  800 , with a latch in an extended position ( FIG.  15   ) and in a retracted position ( FIG.  16   ). The doorknob assembly  800  includes a first handle  802 , first handle rosette  804  including a spring assembly  806 , a second handle  808 , and a second handle rosette  810  including a spring assembly  812 . The doorknob assembly  800  may also include a spindle  820  with two fasteners  822  extending from the first handle  802 , each fastener  822  positioned on either side of the spindle  820 . The fasteners  822  and spindle  820  may be coupled to a latch assembly  818 , and the spindle  820  may also be coupled to the second handle  808 . 
     The doorknob assembly  800  also includes the latch assembly  818 , which includes a plate  814  positioned at an end of the latch assembly  818 , the plate  814  connected to a latch housing  824  connected to a cage  832 . The latch housing  824  includes a hollow central portion. A latch  816  is positioned within the latch housing  824  and the hollow central portion, with a spring assembly  826  and coupled to a transmission plate  828  positioned within the cage  832 . A top portion of the transmission plate  828  extends through a slot  830  formed in the top of the cage  832 . 
     In operation, a user may rotate the first handle  802  or the second handle  808 , causing the spindle  820  to rotate. The rotation of the spindle  820  causes the transmission plate  828  to move within the cage  832 , thereby horizontally moving the latch  816  to retract within the latch housing  824 . With enough rotation of the spindle  820 , the end of the latch  816  is fully retracted within the latch assembly  818  and the end of the latch  816  does not extend past the plate  814  (as shown in  FIG.  16   ). In this position, the latch no longer engages with a catch plate in the corresponding door frame, and no longer fixes the position of the door with respect to the frame. Upon release of the first handle  802  or second handle  808 , the spring assembly  806  and  812  will rotate the spindle  820  back into the resting position, as shown in  FIG.  15   , with the end of the latch  816  extending past the plate  814 . A user may also push on the end of the latch, compressing spring assembly  826 , and the latch  816  will slide into the latch assembly  818  without turning either the first handle  802  or the second handle  808 . Once the user releases the latch  816 , the stored energy in the compressed spring assembly  826  is released, and the latch returns to its resting position. 
     In some examples, the door positioning system  100  may include the doorknob assembly  800 . 
       FIGS.  17 - 20    are various views of components of an example door positioning system in accordance with the present disclosure. 
     Similar to  FIG.  15   ,  FIG.  17    includes a doorknob assembly  900  with a first handle  902 , a first handle rosette  904  including a spring assembly  906 , a second handle  908 , and a second handle rosette  910  including a spring assembly  912 .  FIG.  18    is similar to  FIG.  17   , but without the first handle  902 , first handle rosette  904  and spring assembly  906 . The doorknob assembly  900  also includes a spindle  920  with two fasteners  922 , each fastener  922  positioned on either side of the spindle  920 . The fasteners  922  and spindle  920  may be coupled to a latch assembly  918 , and the spindle  920  is coupled to both handles  902  and  908 . The doorknob assembly  900  also includes the latch assembly  918 , which includes plate  914  positioned at an end of the latch assembly  918 , the plate  914  connected to a latch housing  924  connected to a cage  932 . A latch  916  is positioned within the latch housing  924 , with a spring assembly  926  and coupled to a transmission plate  928  positioned within the cage  932 . A top portion of the transmission plate  928  extends through a slot  930  formed in the top of the  932 . 
     In addition, doorknob assembly  900  may also include motor  936  and gearbox  934 , the output of the gearbox  934  coupled to a gear rack  948  positioned on the top edge of the transmission plate  928  (see  FIGS.  19  and  20   ). While a gearbox is shown in  FIGS.  17 - 20   , other types of power transmission assemblies may be used, such as clutches, belt drives, and the like. The engagement of the motor  936  with the transmission plate  928  may also be accomplished using a gearbox  934  and gear rack  948 , with the gear rack  948  not directly coupled to the transmission plate  928  but forming a cage around it. The doorknob assembly  900  may also include a PCBA  938  and battery  942  electrically coupled to the motor  936  to help power and control the motor  936 . 
       FIG.  19    is a view of the latch assembly  918  in a latch engaged position  950 .  FIG.  20    is a view of the latch assembly  918  in a disengaged latch position  952 , with the latch fully retracted within the latch housing  924 . 
     In some examples, the power transmission assembly is coupled to the doorknob motor and translates a rotational movement of the doorknob motor to a linear movement of a latch mechanism responsive to receipt of the signal. In some examples, the door positioning system will be engaged after the latch mechanism is confirmed to be disengaged from door frame. 
     The power transmission assembly include the gearbox  934  and the doorknob motor  936 . The gearbox  934  may include a driver gear  944  and a driven gear  946 . In some examples, the driver gear  944  is coupled to the output shaft of the doorknob motor. The driver gear  944  engages with the output gear, or driven gear  946  of gearbox  934 , which then engages the gear rack  948  attached to the transmission plate  928  extending out of the slot  930 . When triggered by a signal sent by a remote computing device, the motor  936  turns on and the engagement of the driven gear  946  with the gear rack  948  retracts the latch  916  within the latch housing  924 , disengaging the latch  916  from holding the door in place. 
     After a designated time or other signal sent from the remote computing device, the motor  936  returns the transmission plate  928  to its original position. In the example of doorknob assembly  900 , the second handle rosette  910 , is expanded to include a housing  940  to provide space for the PCBA  938  with wireless control and operation and battery  942 . The housing  940  may also include buttons that enable a user to access or control the motor  936  and related mechanisms. 
     In some examples, the door positioning system  100  includes a smart home door lock, such as doorknob assembly  900 . In some examples, a smart home lock may be a device that can lock and unlock door locks using an app or program on a remote computing device and use a variety of different home network protocols including but not limited to zigbee, zwave, Bluetooth, and wifi. In some examples, the door positioning system  100 , including the door lock, can be interfaced directly or via external communication hub (smart home hub) with a smart lock to provide unique and novel functionality. The user can use a door positioning system to close a door then engage a smart lock, such as doorknob assembly  900 , remotely. In some examples, with appropriately configured door hardware, such as but not limited to a non-manually latching door knob or an electronically controlled latching door knob, the door positioning system can be used to open a door that is unlocked via a smart lock. For example, the door positioning system would be used to disengage the smart lock, such as doorknob assembly  900 , then the door positioning device would engage to open the door. Similarly, the door positioning system may include a smart doorknob that may be used in conjunction with the door positioning device. 
     In some examples, the smart doorknob provides a power-driven system to unlatch the door knob. The latch is moved to the returned position by spring force. The smart doorknob may include a motor, circuitry, such as a PCBA electrically coupled to the motor and configured to be remotely connected to the remote computing device or activated by buttons on the smart doorknob itself. For example, when a signal is received by the smart doorknob, the motor may engage a power transmission assembly, such as a gear rack or similar power transmission elements that transform rotational motion and power into linear motion and power. This linear motion will retract the latch from the door jamb, in the disengaged latch position, and with the latch retracted, the door would be free swinging and the floor drive door positioning system could then drive the door to the desired position. 
       FIGS.  21  and  22    are perspective views of components of an example door positioning system in accordance with the present disclosure.  FIG.  21    is an embodiment of a door positioning device  102  with a speaker grill  218 , the door positioning device positioned on a door  106 .  FIG.  22    is the door positioning device of  FIG.  21    with the door positioning device  102  with the enclosure cover  202  hidden. As shown in  FIG.  22   , the power transmission assembly  332  includes the motor  302  and gearbox  310  as an integrated gearbox  311  with an offset output shaft  314 . In some examples, the drive wheel  312  may be fixed to the output shaft so that the drive wheel is directly driven by the gearbox output shaft. In other examples, a friction drive with components positioned on the inner surface of the drive wheel and at the end of the output shaft may be used to transmit power from the output shaft to the drive wheel. 
     In some examples, the offset output shaft  314  may be used so that the appropriately sized motor  302  and gearbox  310 , which may be part of the integrated gearbox  311 , are positioned close or as close to the baseplate  210 , while still allowing the proper clearance for the drive wheel  312 . This helps to make the overall design of the door positioning device  102  compact and desirable for residential or non-commercial use.  FIG.  22    also shows the speaker  308  and battery  935 . Similar to  FIG.  6   , the power transmission assembly, speaker, and batter may all be electrically connected and may be operated responsive to a remote signal being received by the door positioning device  102 . 
       FIGS.  31 - 33    are perspective views of the drive wheel  312  an example door positioning system in accordance with the present disclosure. In some examples, the drive wheel  312  has a discontinuous outer perimeter, such that the drive wheel  312  includes spokes  317  with feet  319  positioned at an end opposite a central hub  313 . The discontinuous perimeter may help provide traction on different surfaces. The central hub  313  may couple with the output shaft of the gearbox  310  or integrated gearbox  311  at a keyway  315 , extending through the central hub. The keyway  315  may be shaped to mate with a keyed shape of the output shaft so that the shaft of the gearbox will not rotate with within the keyway  315 , and the wheel is driven directly from the output shaft of the gearbox. 
     In some examples, extending radially outward from the central hub  313  of the drive wheel  312  are a series of spokes  317 . In some examples, the wheel  312  may include a plurality of spokes, for example, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten spokes. In some examples, the drive wheel includes more than 10 spokes. 
     In some examples, the central hub  313  is a rigid core. In some examples, the spokes  317  are rigid. In some examples, the central hub  313 , spokes  317  and feet  319  are rigid. In some examples, the feet  319  include a raised post or protruding thread  321  positioned on an outward facing surface of the foot  319 . The raised post  321  may be provide additional traction when the foot contacts the floor or surface when the door positioning system is engaged. In some examples, the edge of the feet may be tapered or chamfered. This may help the foot to engage the floor or surface when the wheel is rotating. 
     In some examples, as shown in  FIG.  33   , the individual foot  319  may include a surface treatment  323 . In some examples, the surface treatment  323  covers the foot  319  and the raised post  321 . The surface treatment may be a high friction material, such as a various rubber material, and the surface treatment may be over-molded or wrapped onto the feet. In some examples, the surface treatment may include a light adhesive or additional material aspect to increase the coefficient of friction of the surface treatment  323 . 
       FIGS.  23 - 30    are schematics of example systems with an apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure. The apparatus can be implemented using any of the door positioning systems described herein, such as door positioning device  102  of  FIGS.  1 - 14    and the doorknobs  800 ,  900  of  FIGS.  15 - 20   .  FIG.  23    is a schematic of an example system in accordance with the present disclosure. The system  2300  may include an apparatus  2302 , a detector  2304 , a smart home hub  2306 , a remote computing device or mobile device  2308 , and an alarm  2312 . In some examples, the components of the system  2300  may be connected to one or more of each other. 
     In some examples, the apparatus  2302  may be an apparatus for receiving a remote signal and coupled to a control system and communication system. In some examples, the control system and communication system form part of the apparatus. In some examples, the apparatus is mounted to, coupled to, or mounted within a door and uses the door&#39;s hinged motion to help move the door from an open position to a closed position. 
     In some examples, the detector  2304  may be a detection device, for example a smoke detector, fire detector, gas detector, motion sensor, a temperature detector, a carbon monoxide detector, a home alarm system, a mobile device, or a smart home hub. 
     In some examples, the smart home hub  2306  may include multiple radios. In some examples, the smart home hub  2306  may provide an external communication to the internet or cellular network  2328 . 
     In some examples, the mobile device  2308  may be a tablet, mobile phone, laptop, computer, or other device where a wireless connection may be made to the apparatus  2302 . In some examples, the mobile device may be a home alarm interface. In some examples, the mobile device  2308  may be a device that is wired with a physical connection to the apparatus  2302 . In some examples, a connection may be made between the apparatus  2302  and the mobile device  2308  using a web browser, an app, a blue tooth, or a potentially wired connection using the internet or cellular network  2328 . 
     In some examples, the alarm  2312  may be used to notify a user that the detector  2304  has detected an issue. In some examples, the detector  2304  detects an issue, such as smoke, fire, temperature change, gas presence, etc., and activates an alarm  2315 . In some examples, the alarm  2312  may be audible, visual, haptic, or various combinations thereof. 
     In some examples, the detector  2304  may detect an issue. The detector  2304  may then send a detection signal to the alarm  2312  to issue an alarm. In some examples, the alarm may be an audible alarm similar to the audible alarm issued by a smoke or fire alarm. In some examples, the detector  2304  may send a wireless detection signal to the alarm  2312  to issue an alarm signal. In some examples, the detector  2304  and the alarm  2312  may be combined into a device that may send a signal to the apparatus  2302 . 
     The apparatus  2302  may receive the signal from the alarm  2312 . In some examples, the apparatus  2302  may wirelessly receive the signal from the alarm  2312 . In some examples, the signal from the alarm  2312  may be transmitted from the alarm  2312  to the apparatus  2302  via a direct line or electrical connection. In response to receiving the signal, the apparatus  2302  may shut the door that the apparatus is coupled to or installed within. The apparatus  2302  may also then send a signal to the smart home hub  2306  that the door has been shut, the detector  2304  has detected an issue, and/or that the alarm  2312  has issued an alarm. 
     In some examples, the smart home hub  2306  may receive the signal from the apparatus  2302 . The smart home hub  2306  may then send a signal to the mobile device  2308 . In some examples, the smart home hub  2306  may send and receive signals from the apparatus  2302  and mobile device  2308 . In some examples, the signal from the smart home hub  2306  may be transmitted through a wireless internet connection, Bluetooth, cellular connection, or other type of connection to the mobile device  2308 . In some examples, the user may then engage the mobile device  2308  to select an action, such as reset the alarm, reset the detector, send a communication to a third party, such as an emergency services provider, etc. 
       FIG.  24    is a schematic of another example system. 
     The system  2400  may be similar to the system  2300  and include an apparatus  2302 , a detector  2304 , a smart home hub  2306 , a mobile device  2308 , a wireless communication manager  2310 , and an alarm  2312 . In some examples, the components of the system  2400  may be connected to one or more of each other. In some examples, the system  2400  may be similar to the system  2300 , except that the system  2400  may include the wireless communication manager  2310 . 
     In some examples, the system  2400  may also be different in that the apparatus  2302  may send and receive signals from the smart home hub  2306 . The smart home hub  2306  may send and receive signals from the wireless communication manager  2310 . The wireless communication manager  2310  may send and receive signals to the internet or cellular network  2328 . The mobile device  2308  may send and receive signals to the internet or cellular network  2328 . 
     In some examples, the wireless communications manager  2310  may be a residential or commercial wireless internet router. In some examples, the wireless communications manager  2310  may provide external communication to the internet or cellular network  2328 . In some examples, the wireless communications manager  2310  may provide external communication to the internet for the system if the external communication is not provided by an alternate component, such as a smart home hub  2306 . 
     In some examples, the smart home hub  2306  may send a signal regarding the status of the apparatus  2302 , the detector  2304 , or the alarm  2312 , to the wireless communications manager  2310 . In some examples, the wireless communications manager  2310  may then send a signal to the mobile device  2308  via internet or cellular network  2328 . 
       FIG.  25    is a schematic of an example system. The system  2500  may be similar to the system  2400  and include an apparatus  2302 , a detector  2304 , a smart home hub  2306 , a mobile device  2308 , and a wireless communication manager  2310 . The system  2500  may differ from the system  2400  in that the system  2500  does not have an alarm  2312  separate from the detector  2304 . In some examples, the detector  2304  may send and receive a signal to the smart home hub  2306 , which may receive the signal and then send a signal to the apparatus  2302 . The smart home hub  2306  may also then send and receive a signal to the wireless communications manager  2310 , which may send and receive a signal to the mobile device  2308  via the internet or cellular network  2328 . 
       FIG.  26    is a schematic of an example system. The system  2600  may be similar to the system  2500  and include an apparatus  2302 , a detector  2304 , a smart home hub  2306 , and a mobile device  2308 . The system  2600  may differ from the system  2500  in that the wireless communication manager  2310  may not be utilized. In the system  2600 , the smart home hub  2306  may send and receive a signal to the mobile device  2308  via the internet or cellular network  2328 . 
       FIG.  27    is a schematic of an example system. The system  2700  of  FIG.  27    may be similar to the system  2500  of  FIG.  25   . In some examples, the system  2700  may include an apparatus  2302 , a smart home hub  2306 , a mobile device  2308 , and a wireless communication manager  2310 . The system  2700  may differ from the system  2500  in that a detector  2304  may not be utilized. In the system  2700 , the smart home hub  2306  may send and receive a signal to and from the apparatus  2302 . 
       FIG.  28    is a schematic of an example system. The system  2800  of  FIG.  28    may be similar to previously disclosed examples. The system  2800  may include an apparatus  2302  and a mobile device  2308 . In some examples, the apparatus  2302  and mobile device  2308  may be wirelessly coupled so that signals may be sent and received between the two. 
       FIG.  29    is a schematic of an example system. The system  2900  may be similar to the system  2400  of  FIG.  24   . The system may include an apparatus  2302 , a detector  2304 , a smart home hub  2306 , a mobile device  2308 , a wireless communication manager  2310 , an alarm  2312 , and a smart assistant  2314  which may be used to receive and send a signal based upon verbal command  2316 . 
     In some examples, the smart assistant  2314  may be a device that responds to verbal commands from a user. In some examples, the smart assistant  2314  may provide external communication to the internet or cellular network. In some examples, a verbal command  2316  may be issued or provided from a user. In some examples, a verbal command may be issued or provided from an electronic device. 
     In some examples, the wireless communication manager  2310  may be able to send and receive signals from the smart assistant  2314 . In some examples, the smart assistant may be able to send and receive signals to the issuer of a verbal command  2316 . In some examples, the issuer of the verbal command  2316  is a human user. In some examples, the issuer of the verbal command may be an electronic device. 
       FIG.  30    is a schematic of an example system. The system  3000  may be similar to the system  2300  of  FIG.  23   . The system may include an apparatus  2302 , a detector  2304 , a smart home hub  2306 , a mobile device  2308 , an external indicator  2318 , an alarm  2312 , a smartcity  2320 , and skilled personnel  2322 . 
     In some examples, the external indicator  2318  may be a visual component, such as a light being turned on or off. In some examples, the external indicator  2318  may change or alter a structure, such as flipping or moving a sign to provide an indication of a status of the system. In some examples, a smart city  2320  may be created based upon linking multiple individual smart homes or smart home hubs  2306 . In some examples, the skilled personnel  2322  may include but are not limited to emergency responders, firefighters, first responders, police, EMTs, medics, childcare providers, social service providers, elder care providers, offsite family members, etc. 
     In some examples, the apparatus  2302  may be used to evaluate if a room is occupied and if the apparatus has been activated. This may be useful to skilled personnel  2322  so that they may focus rescue efforts to a maximum benefit and safety. 
     In some examples, the smart home hub  2306  may send a signal to the external indicator  2318 . In an example, the use of the external indicator  2318  may allow skilled personnel  2322  to understand the status of a room that the apparatus  2302  is installed within. In some examples, if the door the apparatus has been coupled to has been closed, the skilled personnel  2322  may use this information to select the best tactics and area to investigate first, perform search and rescue operations, vent-enter-search operations, etc. 
     In some examples, the smart home hub  2306  may be linked to other smart home hubs to help create a smart city  2320 . In some examples, the smart city may be used to send and receive signals from a network of the smart home hubs  2306  and to skilled personnel  2322 . In some examples, skilled personnel  2322  may activate different apparatus  2302  in different or adjacent homes or areas. In some examples, suddenly closing doors may surprise and deter unwanted entrants or intruders as part of a home alarm system, and may be engaged when a known intruder is in the area. In some examples, the skilled personnel  2322  may send and receive signals from the apparatus  2302  if there is an uncontrolled fire or risk of fire expanding to additional homes. 
     The apparatus and systems described herein may be combined in various forms and manners to use the apparatus that may close a door in response to receiving a signal. 
     All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader&#39;s understanding of the present devices, systems, and structures described herein, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the disclosure. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. The exemplary drawings are for purposes of illustration only and the dimensions, positions, order and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary. 
     The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments as defined in the claims. Although various embodiments of the claimed disclosure have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed disclosure. Other embodiments are therefore contemplated. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only of particular embodiments and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the basic elements of the disclosure as defined in the following claims.