Patent Publication Number: US-8539717-B2

Title: Electronic control for door/window

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/756,948, filed on Jun. 1, 2007, which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. Pat. No. 7,627,987, filed on Jun. 20, 2006 and issued on Dec. 8, 2009, all of which are incorporate herein by reference in their entirety. This application is also a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/846,139, filed on Aug. 28, 2007, which application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. Pat. No. 7,685,775, filed on Dec. 30, 2005and issued on Mar. 30, 2010, and a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/756,957, filed on Jun. 1, 2007, which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. Pat. No. 7,624,539, filed on Jun. 20, 2006, and issued on Dec. 1, 2009, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/018,190, filed on Dec. 31, 2007, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The disclosure relates generally to sealing systems for use with panels, such as a door or a window, within a frame and, more specifically, to an electronic control for use with a sealing system for providing an improved seal between a panel and frame. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Certain types of panels, such as doors and windows, are positioned within openings of a wall and/or other structures using a frame. These panels may also open and close by pivoting relative to the frame. Alternatively, the one or more panel may slide relative to the frame. An issue associated with these types of panels is the integrity of the seals between the panels and the frame. In many instances, these seals are an insufficient barrier in preventing the transfer of such environmental elements as noise, weather, water, and insects from one side of the panel to the other side of the panel. 
     Attempts have been made to address these issues by using various types of weather stripping between the panels and frame. For example, the weather stripping may be strip of felt, foam, or a pile of flexible synthetic material. In many instances, however, this weather stripping fails to act as a sufficient seal between the panels and frame. Another issue prevalent associated with the seals between a frame and panel or between adjacent panels is that these seals can become disjoined. Either intentionally or unintentionally, the alignment between the frame and panel or between adjacent panels may be disturbed which can degrade the quality of the seal, since, in many instances, the integrity of the seal relies upon these members having certain positional relationships relative to one another. 
     Another issue associated with the movement of one or more panels relative to the frame is structural integrity and/or security of the panels relative to the frame. While in certain circumstances, allowing the panel to move relative to the frame is desirable, in other circumstances, not allowing the panel to move relative to the frame is desirable for the purpose of preventing undesired access through the panel. Means for providing these separate functionalities, however, can be incompatible with one another, and the means employed to provide both functions often involve tradeoffs that reduce the effectiveness of both functions. 
     There is, therefore, also a need for a sealing system that effectively allows both a panel to move relative to the frame and also to selectively prevent movement of the panel relative to the frame. There is also a need for a sealing system that can be employed between a frame and panel that prevents the transfer from one side of the panel to the other side of the panel such environmental effects as noise, weather, water, heat/cold, and insects. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the invention address deficiencies of the art with respect to effectively creating a seal between a panel and a frame. In this regard, a combined active sealing system for connecting a panel to a frame of a door/window comprises a plurality of active sealing systems, a seal activation system, and an electronic control system. Each of the plurality of active sealing systems includes an anchor for engaging one of the panel and the frame, and an actuator connected to anchor and for driving the anchor. In a closed position of the panel relative to the frame, the anchor is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The seal activation system is connected to at least one of the actuators of the plurality of active sealing systems. The electronic control system controls the seal activation system. 
     In certain aspects, the electronic control system includes a control module, an unlocking actuator, and a locking actuator. The control module controls activation of the unlocking actuator and the locking actuator. A wireless control device wirelessly connected to the control module, and a wired control device having a wired connection to the control module. A battery supplies power to the electronic control system, and the battery is positioned within the frame. A low-battery indicator is also provided. A power supply is electrically connected to a building in which the door/window is installed, and the power supply is adapted to recharge the battery. A security device controls access by a user to the control module. The unlocking actuator can be the locking actuator, and the locking actuator is connected to the seal activation system. Also included is a panel closed limit switch, a lock limit switch, and an unlock limit switch. 
     Additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The aspects of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The embodiments illustrated herein are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a door/window system in a closed position in accordance with the inventive arrangements; 
         FIGS. 2A-2C  are partial, perspective views of multiple sealing system modules in accordance with the inventive arrangements, respectively, in unlocked, partially engaged, and locked configurations; 
         FIGS. 3A-3B  are partial, perspective views of the multiple sealing system modules of  FIGS. 2A-2C  within a frame of the door/window system, respectively, without and with a facing covering the sealing system modules; 
         FIGS. 4A-4C  are perspective views of an individual sealing system module in accordance with the inventive arrangements, respectively, in the unlocked, partially engaged, and locked configurations; 
         FIGS. 5A-5D  are side views of a sealing system adjacent a panel in accordance with the inventive arrangements, respectively, in an open, closed and unlocked, partially engaged, and locked configurations; 
         FIGS. 6A-6C  are perspective views of a seal activation system in accordance with the inventive arrangements, respectively, in the unlocked, partially engaged, and locked configurations; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a drive portion of an electronic control system within a frame for driving the sealing activation system in accordance with the inventive arrangements; 
         FIGS. 8A-8C  are side views of adjacent sealing system modules in accordance with the inventive arrangements, respectively, in the unlocked, partially engaged, and locked configurations; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a transfer system and adjacent sealing system module in accordance with the inventive arrangements; 
         FIG. 10  is conceptual front view of the door/window system and certain elements of the electronic control system in accordance with the inventive arrangements; 
         FIGS. 11A ,  11 B,  11 C, and  11 D are, respectively, front, side, rear, and perspective views of a control module and control device of the electronic control system in accordance with the inventive arrangements; 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic drawing of certain element of electronic control system in accordance with the inventive arrangements; 
         FIG. 13  is a flow chart illustrating certain steps involved in locking the panel in accordance with the inventive arrangements; and 
         FIG. 14  is a flow chart illustrating certain steps involved in unlocking the panel in accordance with the inventive arrangements. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplar door/window system  100  for use with the combination active sealing system  200  and seal activation system  205 . The combination active sealing system  200  and seal activation system  205  can be used with many types of doors and/or windows, and the combination active sealing system  200  and seal activation system  205  is not limited to the particular door/window system  100  illustrated. For example, the combination active sealing system  200  and seal activation system  205  may be used with pocket doors, sliding doors, French doors, entry doors, garage doors, sliding windows, single-hung windows, double-hung windows, casement windows, and awning windows. The door/window system  100  includes at least one panel  110  connected to a stationary frame  120 . Although not limited in this manner, the panel  110  may pivot relative to the frame  120 . 
     The frame  120  may include a header  130 , jambs  140 , and a sill  150 . A header  130  is a structural member that spans an upper portion of the window/door opening. Jambs  140  are the outermost vertical side members of the frame  120 . A sill  150  is a threshold or structural member that spans a lower-most portion of the window/door opening. As recognized by those skilled in the art, different terms may also be associated with the above-structure identified as the header  130 , jambs  140 , and sill  150 . 
     The panel  110  may include a sash  160  that surrounds a pane  170 . The pane  170  is not limited as to a particular material. For example, the pane  170  may be translucent, such as glass or plastic, opaque, such as with wood or metal, or any combination thereof. The sash may include a header rail  175 , jamb or stile rails  180 , and a sill rail  185 . As recognized by those skilled in the art, different terms may also be associated with the structure identified as the header rail  175 , the jamb or stile rail  180 , and sill rail  185 . 
     The active sealing system  200  (see  FIGS. 2A-2C ,  4 A- 4 C,  8 A- 8 C) may be used with each of the members  175 ,  180 ,  185  of the sash  160  to form a seal between each pair of adjacent surfaces of the sash  160  of the panel  110  and the frame  120 . In this manner, each of the separate sides of the panel  110  may employ the active sealing system  200 . As will be described in more detail below, not only does the active sealing system  200  provide at least one seal between adjacent members of sash  160  and frame  120 , each of the active sealing systems  200  may be configured to prevent the movement of the panel  110  relative to the frame  120 . In so doing, the active sealing systems  200  can act as a lock and/or security device that prevents the forced opening of the panel  110  relative to the frame  120 . Many types of active sealing systems  200  so capable are known in the art, and the present door/window system  100  is not limited as to a particular type of active sealing system  200 . 
     Additionally, although the present door/window system  100  is described herein with particular types of active sealing systems  200  being positioned in particular locations, the door/window system  100  is not limited as to a particular type of active sealing system  200  or a particular location of the active sealing system  200 . For example, an active sealing system  200  may be positioned within the frame  120  and/or the sash  160 . However, in certain aspects of the door/window system  100 , the active sealing systems  200  are positioned within the frame  120 . 
     To prevent the forced opening of the panel  110 , the active sealing systems  200  are not limited as to a percentage of coverage between particular members of the frame  120  and/or panel  110 . For example, the active sealing systems  200  may only cover a fractional number (e.g., 10%, 50%, 85%) of the length between particular members of the frame  120  and/or panel  110 . However, in certain aspects, the active sealing systems  200  provide substantially complete coverage between the sash  160  of a panel  110  and the frame  120 . In so doing, the combined active sealing systems  200  can provide a seal substantially, completely around the panel  110 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2A-2C  and  3 A- 3 B, a combination of active sealing systems  200  is disclosed. In certain aspects of the door/window system  100 , a plurality of identical or nearly identical active sealing system modules  200  are used to provide substantially complete coverage between the sash  160  of a panel  110  and the frame  120 . In so doing, the same type of active sealing system module  200  is located on at least two sides of the frame/sash  120 / 160  (hereinafter referred to as the frame  120 ). In other aspects, more than one of the same type of active sealing system module  200  is located on a single side of the frame  120 . Still further, in other aspects, at least one active sealing system module  200  of the same type is located on each side of the frame  120 . 
     Although not limited in this manner, for those sides of the frame  120  that include multiple active sealing system modules  200 , the multiple active sealing systems  200  may be each connected to a single anchor  210 , which is used in forming the seal between the panel  110  and frame  120 . The anchor  210  may be connected to movable members  225  of (see  FIGS. 4A-4C ) each of the multiple active sealing system modules  200 , and via coordinated movement of movable members  225 , the multiple active sealing system modules  200  cause the anchor  210  to move from a disengaged/unlocked position (e.g.,  FIG. 2A ) to an engaged/locked position (e.g.,  FIG. 2C ). 
     The multiple active sealing system modules  200  may also be interconnected such that upon one of the active sealing system modules  200  being engaged, additional active sealing system modules  200  engage. A transfer system  270  (described with regard to  FIGS. 8A-8C  and  9 ) may be used to transfer motion of a member in one of the active sealing system modules  200  to another member in a different one of the active sealing system modules, and in this manner, the engagement of one of the active sealing systems modules  200  can cause an additional active sealing system modules  200  to engage. Moreover, the active sealing system modules  200  may be connected in series such that the engagement of a single active sealing system module  200  can cause multiple active sealing system modules  200  to engage. 
     As noted above, each of the active sealing system modules  200  may be substantially identical. In so doing, a single type of module can be used on multiple or all sides of the door/window system  100 . This may allow for ease of manufacturing since multiple types of modules increase the complexity of the manufacturing process. Moreover, the use of a single type of module may allow for easier and/or less-expensive repair of the door/window system since it may be easier and/or less-expensive to replace a single active sealing system module  200  as compared to a sealing system that spans a greater portion of the door/window system  100 . 
     Although each of the active sealing system modules  200  may be substantially identical, depending upon the location of a particular active sealing system module  200  within the door/window system  100 , modifications to the particular active sealing system  200  can be contemplated. For example, a corner member  295  (see  FIGS. 4A-4C ,  8 A- 8 C, and  9 ) may be attached to an end of an anchor  210 , and the corner member  295  can act to create a seal between a pair of adjacent anchors  210 . 
     Additionally, the transfer system  270  may be removably attached to an end of a particular active sealing system module  200 . For example, the transfer system  270  may be attached to pairs of adjacent active sealing system modules  200  in which motion of one member in one of the active sealing system modules  200  to another member in a different one of the active sealing system modules  200 . This occurs, for example, at the corners of the door/window system  100 . These additional features that can be added to a particular active sealing system module  200  add flexibility to the combined system of active sealing system modules  200 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , facing  210  can be positioned over and removably attached to one or more of the individual active sealing system modules  200 . In so doing, the use, on a single side, of multiple active sealing system modules  200  can be hidden. Moreover, the removably attachable facing  210  allows access to the active sealing system modules  200  for subsequent repairs, adjustment, and/or replacement of the active sealing system modules  200 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4A-4C  and  5 A- 5 D, an active sealing system  200  for use in the door/window system  100  is illustrated. In certain aspects of the active sealing system  200 , the active sealing system  200  drives an anchor  210  to form a seal  230  (see  FIG. 5D ) between adjacent members of sash  160  and the frame  120 . The seal  230  is formed by engagement of the anchor  210  positioned on one of the frame  120  and sash  160  with another feature positioned on the other of the frame  120  and sash  160 . However, in certain aspects of the active sealing system  200 , the anchor  210  is disposed in the frame  120  and engages a portion of the sash  160  of the panel  110 . The active sealing system  200  may also include one or more transfer systems  270  that connect the active sealing system  200  to a seal activation system  205  (discussed within regard to  FIGS. 6A-6C ) and/or other active sealing systems  200  (see discussion with regard to  FIGS. 8A-8C  and  9 ). 
     The active sealing system  200  is not limited as to the particular portion of the sash  160  with which the anchor  210  engages to form the seal  230 . However, in certain aspects of the active sealing system  200 , the anchor  210  engages a portion of a channel  240  within members (e.g., header rail  175 , stile rail  180 , and sill rail  185 ) of the sash  160 . 
     By having the anchor  210  being positioned within the channel  240 , movement of the panel  110  relative to the frame  120  in a direction not parallel to the direction of the movement of the anchor  210  can be prevented. Moreover, in certain aspects, movement of the panel  110  relative to the frame  120  in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the anchor  210  can be prevented. In so doing, movement of the panel  110  relative to the frame  120  (via, for example, a forced entry) creates a force, against the anchor  210 , having a minimal vector in the direction in which the anchor  210  moves. Thus, this forced movement of the panel  110  relative to the frame  120  has a reduced likelihood in forcing the anchor  210  to move, thereby increasing the security of the door/window system  100 . 
     The anchor  210  may directly engage a portion of the channel  240 . Alternatively, the anchor  210  may include a sealing member (not shown) that engages a portion of the channel  240  and/or engage a sealing member  235  within the channel  240 . The sealing member retards the movement of air, water, etc. and/or noise across the seal, and any sealing member so capable is acceptable for use in the active sealing system  200 . However, in certain aspects of the active sealing system  200 , the sealing members  235  are formed from a compressible material, such as foam. 
     Many types of devices are known as being capable of moving the anchor  210  to engage the panel  110 , and the active sealing system  200  is not limited as to a type of device so capable. However, in certain aspects of the active sealing system  200 , the anchor  210  is attached to one or more movable members  225 . The movable member  225  moves between a first position and a second position relative to the frame  120 , and movement of the movable member  225  from the first position to the second position causes the anchor  210  to move from a disengaged/unlocked position (e.g.,  FIGS. 2A ,  4 A,  5 A) to an engaged/locked position (e.g.,  FIGS. 2C ,  4 C,  5 C). 
     The active sealing system  200  is not limited in the manner in which the movable member  225  is driven from the first position to the second position and back again. Many types of devices are known that are capable of transferring movement from one member to another member and the active sealing system  200  is not limited in a device so capable. However, in certain aspects of the active sealing system  200 , the movement of the movable member  225  is driven by the back and forth motion of an actuator  240  that extends along a length of the active sealing system  200 . 
     A transfer device  250  transfers the back and forth motion of the actuator  240  to the movable member  225  thereby moving the anchor from the disengaged/unlocked position to the engaged/locked position and back again. Many types of devices are capable of transferring motion along one direction to another direction, and the transfer device  250  is not limited to any type of device so capable. 
     The active sealing system  200  may also include supports  260  that are connected to the anchor  210 . The supports  260  may be attached to an underside of the anchor  210  and positioned within the body of the active sealing system  200 . The supports  260  span the inner width of the body of the active sealing system  200  and provide lateral stability to the anchor  210 . The supports  260  may also act to limit the movement of the anchor  210  in one or multiple directions. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6A-6C , a seal activation system  205  for use in the door/window system  100  is illustrated. The seal activation systems  205  may be positioned within the header  130 , jambs  140 , and/or sill  150  of the frame  120 . In certain aspects of the door/window system  100 , the seal activation system  205  may interact with one or more active sealing systems  200  within the frame  120 . These active sealing systems  200 , in turn, may interact with the panel  110  to provide at least one seal  230  between adjacent members of the sash  160  of the panel  110  and the frame  120  in a locked configuration, and/or the active sealing system  200  may interact with the panel  110  to prevent the movement of the panel  110  relative to the frame  120  in the locked configuration. In an unlocked configuration, the active sealing system  200  may not provide the seal  230  and/or prevent movement of the panel  110  relative to the frame  120 . Many types of seal activation system  205  capable of this type of interaction with an active sealing system  200  are known in the art, and the present door/window system  100  is not limited as to a particular type of seal activation system  205  so capable. 
     In certain aspects of the seal activation system  205 , the seal activation system  205  transfers motion along a first axis D 1  to motion along a second axis D 2 . Although not limited in this manner, the first axis D 1  is substantially perpendicular to the second axis D 2 . Many types of devices are known that are capable of transferring motion from one member to another member and the door/window system  100  is not limited in a device so capable. However, in certain aspects of the seal activation system  205 , the seal activation system includes a control member  280  that moves along the first axis D 1 , which is connected to a pair of opposing slides  285 A,  285 B that move along the second axis D 2 . 
     The control member  280  includes pins  295  that extend through slots  290 A,  290 B, respectively in each of the opposing slides  285 A,  285 B. The slots  290 A,  290 B are not parallel relative to the first and second axis D 1 , D 2  such the distance between from one slot  290 A to the other slot  290 B varies along the length of the slots  290 A,  290 B. The pins  295  are at a fixed distance relative to one another such that movement of the control member  280  changes the distance between the opposing slides  285 A,  285 B. In the manner, movement of the control member  280  along the first axis D 1  is translated into movement of the opposing slides  285 A,  285 B along the second axis D 2 . 
     Although the pins  295  are shown positioned within the control member  280  and the slots  290 A,  290 B are within the slides  285 A,  285 B, the seal activation system  205  is not limited in this manner. For example, the pins  295  can be located respectively in each of the slides  285 A,  285 B, and the slots  290 A,  290 B may be positioned within the control member  280 . 
     The slides  285 A,  285 B, are connected to at least one actuator  240 . However, in certain aspects of the seal activation system  205 , the slides are each respectively connected to an actuator  240 . The motion of the slides  285 A,  285 B along the second axis D 2  is thus transferred to the actuators  240 , and as previously discussed, the motion of the actuators  240  drive the movement of the anchors  210 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a drive portion  301  of an electronic control system (see discussion with regard to  FIGS. 10-13 ) for use in the door/window system  100  is illustrated. The drive portion  301  moves the seal activation system  205  from an deactivated/unlocked configuration (e.g.,  FIGS. 2A ,  6 A) to an activated/locked configuration (e.g.,  FIGS. 2C ,  6 C) thereby driving the active sealing system  200  from an deactivated/unlocked configuration to an activated/locked configuration. The drive portion  301  may also move the seal activation system  205  from the activated/locked configuration to the deactivated/unlocked configuration. In certain aspects, the drive portion  301  is configured to simultaneously drive each of the separate active sealing systems  200 . In other aspects of the door/window system  100 , however, multiple drive portions  301  may be provided to separately close one or multiple active sealing systems  200 . 
     How the drive portion  301  moves the seal activation system  205  from the deactivated/unlocked configuration to the activated/locked configuration (and back again) is not limited as to a particular manner and/or device. As can be readily envisioned, the configuration and operation of the drive portion  301  may be determined by the configuration and operation of the seal activation system  205 . A present example of the active sealing system  200  employs the use a locking actuator  335  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) and an unlocking actuator  330  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) that pushes/pulls on a connecting member  320  that is attached to the control member  280  of the seal activation system  205 . This pushing/pulling motion creates the back and forth movement along axis D 1  of the control member  280 . The drive portion  301  is not limited in the manner in which the active sealing system  200  is driven. For example, devices employed for driving include magnetic, mechanical, pneumatic, and electro-mechanical devices. 
     Although not limited to this configuration, by positioning the active sealing systems  200 , seal activation system  200 , and the drive portion  301  all within the frame  120  of the door/window system  100 , no moving parts need be positioned within the panel  100 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8A-8C  and  9 , a transfer system  270  for use in the door/window system  100  is illustrated. The transfer system  270  transfers motion, such as linear back and forth motion, from one actuator  240 A to another actuator  240 B. In so doing, the motion generated by a single seal activation system  205  is capable of driving two or more active sealing systems  200  located on different edges of the frame  120  and sash  160  through the use of one or more transfer systems  270 . Alternatively or, in addition to a single seal activation system  205  driving two or more active sealing systems  200 , as previously discussed, multiple seal activation systems  205  can each separately drive one or more active sealing systems  200 . 
     Many types of transfer systems  270  are capable of transferring motion from one actuator  240 A to another actuator  240 B, and the door/window system  100  is not limited as to transfer system  290  so capable. For example, the transfer system  270  may include a set of inter-engaging gears respectively attached to the actuators  240 A,  240 B to transfer linear motion from one actuator  240 A to the other actuator  240 B. In certain aspects, however, the motion is transferred using a flexible strap (not shown) that is curved by a corner guide (not shown) within the transfer system  270  and respectively attached to both of the actuators  240 A,  240 B. 
     Referring  FIGS. 10-12 , the door/window system  100  includes an electronic control system  300  having one or more control modules  310  for causing the active sealing system  200  to become locked/unlocked. The control module  310  may include electronic logic control functions for operating the unlocking actuator  330  and locking actuator  335  in addition to providing other functions, as will be further described. Access to the electronic control system  300  may be secured via any type of conventional security devices  350 . Examples of security devices  350  include a keypad (wireless or wired)  350 A, a thumbprint scanner  350 B, and a biometric scanner  350 C. The security device  350  allows access to a lock/unlock control device  360  and/or allows modification of the control functions of the control module  310 . 
     Examples of lock/unlock control devices  360  include both wireless control devices  360 A and wired control devices  360 B. The wireless control device  360 A may include a fob having an IR transmitter, although the wireless control device  360 A is not limited in this manner. Other types of transmitters, such as RF, may be included in the fob. The control board  310  is connected with (or includes) a receiver  365  for receiving signals from the transmitter. The transmitter may use code-hopping technology to reduce false activations and improve security. The receiver  365  may also include a programming switch to enable the receiver  365  to learn one or more additional transmitters. 
     An example of a wired control device  360 B includes two momentary contact switches/buttons. The two contact switches/buttons may be labeled “Lock” and “Unlock” and respectively including red and green indicators, such as LEDs. The red LED can indicate when the active sealing system  200  is locked, and the green LED can indicate when the active sealing system  200  is unlocked. 
     Via, for example, the fob of the wireless control device  360 A and/or the switches/buttons of the wired control device  360 B, the control board  310  may be directed to control the seal activation system  205  to engage the active sealing system  200  to lock/unlock the panel  110  within the door/window system  110 . 
     The electronic control system  300  may include an unlocking actuator  330  and a locking actuator  335 . The locking actuator  335  acts to lock the panel  110  of the door/window system  100 . The locking actuator  335  may be a linear actuator that provides voltage feedback to the control module  330 . Although not limited to this particular configuration, upon the locking actuator  355  being activated, the locking actuator  335  can lock the panel  110  by extending the control member  280  (shown in  FIG. 7 ) to a particular length, and the length may be determined by feedback from the locking actuator  335  to the control module  310 . In addition to, or alternative to relying upon feedback from the locking actuator  335 , a lock limit switch  337  may be positioned in such a manner, as is well-known in the art, to provide a signal to the control module  330  upon the active sealing system  200  being locked. 
     The unlocking actuator  330  acts to unlock the panel  110  of the door/window system  100 . Although the unlocking actuator  330  may be separate from the locking actuator  335 , in certain aspects of the electronic control system  300 , the unlocking actuator  330  is combined with the locking actuator  335 . Although not limited to this particular configuration, upon the unlocking actuator  330  being activated, the unlocking actuator  330  can unlock the panel  110  by retracting the control member  280  to a particular length, and the length may be determined by feedback from the unlocking actuator  330  to the control module  310 . In addition to, or alternative to relying upon feedback from the unlocking actuator  330 , an unlock limit switch  332  may be positioned in such a manner, as is well-known in the art, to provide a signal to the control module  330  upon the active sealing system  200  being unlocked. 
     The electronic control system  300  may include a panel closed limit switch  350 . The panel closed limit switch  340  can be used to detect if the panel  110  is fully closed. The control module  310  may be configured to prevent the unlocking/locking actuators  330 ,  335  from operating unless the panel  110  is fully closed. 
     The electronic control system  300  may include a power supply  320  for powering the control module  310 . The power supply  320  can also be used to power other devices, such as locks and motors in the door/window system  100  and/or the electronic control system  300 . The electronic control system  300  is not limited as to a particular type of power supply  320 . The power supply  320 , for example, can be a battery-supplied power supply  320 A, a low-voltage DC transformer power supply  320 B, or a combination of both. 
     If the power supply  320 A includes a battery, several different types/configurations of batteries are possible. A non-exhaustive list of configurations includes an option in which three non-rechargeable, primary lithium thionyl chloride battery (DD size, rated at 3.6V @35 Ah) are connected in series. Another option of the power supply  320 A includes a Li-ion battery Pack (11.1V @2200 mAh) with an internal battery protection, which can limit the maximum discharge current to 6.5 A, the discharge voltage to 7.2V, and the charging voltage to 13V. In this option, the batter protection circuit accepts a dc voltage from an external power source and maintains the charge in the battery pack. 
     In yet another option, the power supply  320 A includes a Li-ion battery Pack (11.1V @6600 mAh) with an internal battery protection that limits the maximum discharge current to 6.5 A, the discharge voltage to 7.2V, and the charging voltage to 13V. Two battery packs may be provided for each door/window system  100  along with a specific Li-ion battery pack charger. While one of the battery packs is inserted into the door/window system  100 , the second battery pack can be charged and ready for use or in the process of being charged. 
     A battery monitoring circuit can be provided in the control module  310 , and a low battery warning device  325  can be included in the electronic control system  300 . The battery monitoring circuit can alert the user via a low battery warning device  325  (e.g., with an audible or visible alert) that the battery back in the door/window system  100  should be replaced with the freshly charged battery pack. The audible alert, for example, may be in the form of a short 20 millisecond burst followed by a 10 second period of silence. 
     Although not limited to this configuration, the external DC low voltage power supply  320 B may include an AC-outlet mounted UL-approved, low voltage power supply. The power supply  320 B may be the sole power supply or may be used in conjunction, for example, with a rechargeable battery power supply  320 A. The power supply  320 B may be located away from the installed door/window system  100  and hardwired to the control module  310  via standard 2-wire thermostat wiring. An inline fuse at the supply location can be used to provide short-circuit protection. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , an example of certain steps involved in the operation of the electronic control system  300  to lock the panel  110  of the door/window system  100  is illustrated. In either of steps  400 A,  400 B, a signal is received from either the wireless control device or the wired control device to lock the panel. In step  410 , a determination is made as to whether or not the panel closed limit switch indicates that the panel is in a closed position. If the panel is not in the closed position, in step  415 , activation of the locking system is disabled. 
     In step  420 , if the panel is in the closed position, the control board activates the locking actuator and may deactivate the activation of the unlocking actuator. In step  430 , a determination is made as to whether or not the active sealing system is fully locked. This determination may be made based upon feedback from the locking actuator and/or a signal from the lock limit switch that indicates that the active sealing system is locked. If the active sealing system is not fully locked, steps  420  and  430  are repeated. In step  440 , upon the active sealing system being fully locked, the locking actuator is stopped/deactivated, and in step  450 , an indicator, for example, a red LED associated with the lock button may be lit indicating that the panel is locked. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , an example of certain steps involved in the operation of the electronic control system  300  to unlock the panel  110  of the door/window system  100  is illustrated. In either of steps  500 A,  500 B, a signal is received from either the wireless control device or the wired control device to unlock the panel. In step  510 , a determination is made as to whether or not the panel closed limit switch indicates that the panel is in a closed position. If the panel is not in the closed position, in step  515 , activation of the locking system is disabled. 
     In step  520 , if the panel is in the closed position, the control board activates the unlocking actuator and may deactivate the activation of the locking actuator. In step  530 , a determination is made as to whether or not the active sealing system is fully unlocked. This determination may be made based upon feedback from the unlocking actuator and/or a signal from the unlock limit switch that indicates that the active sealing system is unlocked. If the active sealing system is not fully unlocked, steps  520  and  530  are repeated. In step  540 , upon the active sealing system being fully unlocked, the unlocking actuator is stopped/deactivated, and in step  550 , an indicator, for example, a green LED associated with the unlock button may be lit indicating that the panel is unlocked.