A hinge has a first component that pivotally supports a second component of the hinge. The first hinge component carries an energy harvesting switch having a movable operator such as a spring-projected plunger that is positioned to be depressed or otherwise moved by the second hinge component in response to relative pivotal movement of the first and second hinge components. If a gate is fastened to the second hinge component, at least some of the weight of the gate is transferred from the second hinge component to the first hinge component. When the gate is pivoted away from a closed orientation toward an open orientation, the second hinge component moves the operator of the energy harvesting switch thereby causing the energy harvesting switch to emit a radio frequency signal.

The present invention relates to a motor vehicle that is equipped with an electrical door closing mechanism, a radio-based signal receiver and a control unit, wherein the door closing mechanism can be actuated after receiving and verifying an access authorization code by electrical signals that are generated by a control unit. The motor vehicle possesses an electrical charging apparatus accessible from the outside so that a signal generator that is provided to generate the access code can be charged from the electrical system of the motor vehicle in the event of an insufficient charge. Furthermore, the invention describes a method for charging a signal generator that can be executed using the device according to the invention.

A controlling method of a vehicle includes: detecting a location of a user around the vehicle in response to receiving opening closing signals for opening and closing a power tail gate of the vehicle, respectively; and controlling opening and closing speeds of the power tail gate according to a distance between the vehicle and the user when opening and closing the power tail gate, respectively, in response to receiving the respective opening and closing signals of the power tail gate.

Proximity sensors, e.g., Bluetooth® sensors, are installed in a vehicle. Each sensor determines estimates approximate distance from itself to a user mobile device. In response to the distance increasing above a predetermined distance departure limit, as the sensors communicate to a vehicle control system (VCS) through Bluetooth® or similar links, the VCS causes predetermined departure actions to be performed, such as locking the doors, turning off headlights, activating the vehicle's security system, and/or others. In response to the distance decreasing below a predetermined distance arrival limit, as the sensors communicate to the VCS through the link(s), the VCS causes predetermined arrival actions to be performed, such as unlocking the doors, flashing the headlights, beeping the horn, deactivating the security system, and/or others. Hysteresis may be applied to the decisions whether to perform the departure/arrival actions.

A method for individually configuring at least one automatic function for a door, in particular in a publicly accessible area, with at least one electrically or electronically controllable actuator for performing the automatic function, includes the steps of receiving configuration information from an electronical device associated to an individual in an approach area of the door, configuring the automatic function based on received configuration information, and controlling the actuator for performing the at least one automatic function according to the configuration. Moreover, a door control device is used for electrically or electronically controlling at least one actuator for performing at least one automatic function of a door, in particular in a publicly accessible area.

Methods and systems are provided for an automated door system for a vehicle. In one example, the automated door system may include a set of manual actuating devices and a set of hands-free actuating devices for automatically unlocking and opening the doors of a commercial vehicle used for transporting cargo. The manual and hands-free actuating devices may be used in response to the operating state of the vehicle.

An unlocking device and a door lock are disclosed. The unlocking device includes a signal generating module configured to generate an unlock signal and a control module. The control module comprises a main control unit communicated with the signal generation module, and a drive unit connected with the mechanical lock body. The main control unit is configured to receive the unlocking signal generated by the signal generating module, and control the drive unit to drive the mechanical lock body to unlock according to the unlocking signal received.

A system for use with an autonomous working machine such as a robotic lawn mower. The system may allow communication (directly or indirectly) between the machine and a gate or other barrier opening to allow unattended or remotely-controlled passage of the machine through the gate. In some embodiments, the mower may include a vision system operable to detect unknown objects within an area adjacent to the gate.

A hinge has a first component that pivotally supports a second component of the hinge. The first hinge component carries an energy harvesting switch having a movable operator such as a spring-projected plunger that is positioned to be depressed or otherwise moved by the second hinge component in response to relative pivotal movement of the first and second hinge components. If a gate is fastened to the second hinge component, at least some of the weight of the gate is transferred from the second hinge component to the first hinge component. When the gate is pivoted away from a closed orientation toward an open orientation, the second hinge component moves the operator of the energy harvesting switch thereby causing the energy harvesting switch to emit a radio frequency signal.

A movable barrier operator system is provided that includes a moving-barrier imminent motion notification apparatus, a motor, a controller, and communication circuitry configured to communicate with a remote control. In response to the communication circuitry receiving a communication from the remote control, the controller causes the motor to change the state of the movable barrier and additionally operate the moving-barrier imminent motion notification apparatus upon a determination of the remote control being beyond a physical proximity of a location associated with the movable barrier operator system. Upon a determination that the remote control is within the physical proximity, the controller refrains from operation of the moving-barrier imminent motion notification apparatus.