Patent ID: 7152652

Claim:
A load detection system for lateral and vertical arm awnings, the system comprising: a motorized roller; a fabric wound about the roller in a retracted position and extendable therefrom; arms for supporting said fabric in an extended position; a frame for supporting the roller; bracket for mounting said frame to a support surface; plurality of sensors for sensing strain in at least two of said bracket, frame, and arms due to extended awning loading, the sensors producing load signals corresponding to loading; an anemometer for producing a wind signal corresponding to wind velocity a controller responsive to said load and wind signals for confirming awning loading and then causing said motorized roller to retract said fabric to a partially retracted position at which the frame and arms are able to withstand the awning loading without damage, said controller being further responsive to said load and wind signals for causing said motorized roller to extend said fabric to a partially extended position at which the frame and arms are able to withstand the awning loading.