Described is an electronic delivery door for permitting passage of an object between an interior and an exterior of a structure through an opening defined in the structure, the delivery door comprising: a door panel; a hinge assembly including: one or more hinges for securing the door panel within the opening of the structure and for permitting the door panel to move between a closed position and an open position by rotation of the one or more hinges, wherein: in the closed position, the opening is covered by the door panel; and in the open position, the one or more hinges have been rotated to permit passage of objects through the opening; and an electronic security device configured to selectively permit opening of the door panel.

Improved systems and methods for operating moveable architectural elements (e.g., furniture) are described. The system can include improved features implemented throughout various elements, including hardware elements, controller elements, and/or software elements. As one example, the system can feature the ability to map a characteristic load profile across a particular length of actuation and, if during operation a measured load exceeds the profile, adjust (e.g., stop) the system's motion. The system can also advantageously map its current draw to increase energy efficiency. In addition, the system can include a positioning system that enables it to automatically determine its position upon start up and during operation. In some implementations, the system includes multiple moveable elements (e.g., furniture items). In some cases, power is distributed to the moveable element(s) using a moveable power distribution module. Many other improvements and features are contemplated and described.

A cooking appliance includes a housing having a cooking chamber closeable by a door. The door is a folding door including a first door segment and a separate second door segment. A first hinge apparatus directly interconnects pivotably the first and second door segments. A guide apparatus is arranged on the housing, with the first door segment connected at a door segment end to the guide apparatus via a second hinge apparatus. The second door segment is connected at a door segment end to the housing via a third hinge apparatus. When the folding door is closed, a pivot axis of the first hinge apparatus is arranged closer to the cooking chamber than a pivot axis of the second hinge apparatus and is arranged closer to the cooking chamber than a pivot axis of the third hinge apparatus, with respect to a depth direction of the cooking appliance.

The present disclosure is directed to a bi-fold door system, apparatus, or device including a first panel, a second panel, and a center post. When in a fully closed position, the bi-fold door limits access to a lavatory on an aircraft, and, alternatively, when in a fully opened position, the bi-fold door allows or provides access to the lavatory on the aircraft. When in the closed position, a user within the lavatory may lock the bi-fold door in the closed position by stepping on a foot pedal at an interior of the bi-fold door. The foot pedal mechanically cooperates with a lock rod and an escapement mechanism the user stepping on the foot pedal moves the lock rod from a retracted position to an extended position locking the bi-fold door in the closed position. To exit the lavatory, the user may unlock the bi-fold door utilizing the foot pedal and then interact with a hands-free actuation mechanism to move the bi-fold door from the closed position to the opened position. When in the opened position, the bi-fold door may be held open for a selected period of time such that the user may exit the lavatory without physically contacting the bi-fold door.

Improved systems and methods for operating moveable architectural elements (e.g., furniture) are described. The system can include improved features implemented throughout various elements, including hardware elements, controller elements, and/or software elements. As one example, the system can feature the ability to map a characteristic load profile across a particular length of actuation and, if during operation a measured load exceeds the profile, adjust (e.g., stop) the system's motion. The system can also advantageously map its current draw to increase energy efficiency. In addition, the system can include a positioning system that enables it to automatically determine its position upon start up and during operation. In some implementations, the system includes multiple moveable elements (e.g., furniture items). In some cases, power is distributed to the moveable element(s) using a moveable power distribution module. Many other improvements and features are contemplated and described.

Improved systems and methods for operating moveable architectural elements (e.g., furniture) are described. The system can include improved features implemented throughout various elements, including hardware elements, controller elements, and/or software elements. As one example, the system can feature the ability to map a characteristic load profile across a particular length of actuation and, if during operation a measured load exceeds the profile, adjust (e.g., stop) the system's motion. The system can also advantageously map its current draw to increase energy efficiency. In addition, the system can include a positioning system that enables it to automatically determine its position upon start up and during operation. In some implementations, the system includes multiple moveable elements (e.g., furniture items). In some cases, power is distributed to the moveable element(s) using a moveable power distribution module. Many other improvements and features are contemplated and described.

A motor control system for a folding partition includes a data storage device and processing circuitry. The data storage device is configured to store a normal threshold profile to serve as a threshold for a measured current supplied to a motor to detect abnormal operation of the motor. The motor is configured to drive motion of the folding partition. The processing circuitry is operably coupled to the data storage device. The processing circuitry is configured to generate an adjusted threshold profile to serve as a threshold for the measured current supplied to the motor while moving the folding partition during a transition from an abnormal operational mode to the normal operational mode. The adjusted threshold profile is used for detecting additional abnormal operation of the motor. The processing circuitry is configured to generate the adjusted threshold profile by adjusting at least a portion of the normal threshold profile.

A motor control system for a folding partition includes a data storage device and processing circuitry. The data storage device is configured to store a normal threshold profile to serve as a threshold for a measured current supplied to a motor to detect abnormal operation of the motor. The motor is configured to drive motion of the folding partition. The processing circuitry is operably coupled to the data storage device. The processing circuitry is configured to generate an adjusted threshold profile to serve as a threshold for the measured current supplied to the motor while moving the folding partition during a transition from an abnormal operational mode to the normal operational mode. The adjusted threshold profile is used for detecting additional abnormal operation of the motor. The processing circuitry is configured to generate the adjusted threshold profile by adjusting at least a portion of the normal threshold profile.

Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative telescoping tailgate systems for an automotive vehicle and illustrative automotive vehicles with a telescoping tailgate system for carrying cargo or passengers. In an illustrative embodiment, a telescoping tailgate system for an automotive vehicle includes: a primary tailgate configured to be movably attached to a body of an automotive vehicle, the primary tailgate defining an opening therethrough; a secondary tailgate movably attached to the primary tailgate; and a telescoping mechanism configured to move the secondary tailgate between a retracted position and an extended position, the secondary tailgate being configured to close the opening in the primary tailgate when the secondary tailgate is in an extended position.

Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative telescoping tailgate systems for an automotive vehicle and illustrative automotive vehicles with a telescoping tailgate system for carrying cargo or passengers. In an illustrative embodiment, a telescoping tailgate system for an automotive vehicle includes: a primary tailgate configured to be movably attached to a body of an automotive vehicle, the primary tailgate defining an opening therethrough; a secondary tailgate movably attached to the primary tailgate; and a telescoping mechanism configured to move the secondary tailgate between a retracted position and an extended position, the secondary tailgate being configured to close the opening in the primary tailgate when the secondary tailgate is in an extended position.