Automatic pneumatically-actuated gate and latch

Abstract

A pneumatically actuated gate assembly, and a kit for making the assembly are provided. The assembly comprising: a gate with an at least one hinge; a battery; a compressed gas cylinder; a first support pivotally supporting the gate with the hinges; a second support; a latch movably mounted on the gate; a keeper for releasable engagement with the latch, the keeper mounted on the second support; a compressed gas system in fluid communication with the compressed gas cylinder; a gate pneumatic system in fluid communication with the compressed gas system, and including a gate pneumatic ram pivotally attached to the first support at a proximal end and attached to the gate at a distal end; a latch pneumatic system in fluid communication with the compressed gas system, and including a latch pneumatic ram attached to the gate and the latch; and a controller, wherein the compressed gas system is configured to provide a controllable pressure of gas to the gate pneumatic system and the latch pneumatic system under control of the controller. A method of using the assembly is also provided.

Claims

1. A pneumatically actuated gate assembly, the assembly comprising: a gate with an at least one hinge; a battery; a compressed carbon dioxide cylinder; a first support pivotally supporting the gate with the at least one hinge; a second support; a latch movably mounted on the gate; a keeper for releasable engagement with the latch, the keeper mounted on the second support; a compressed gas system in fluid communication with the compressed carbon dioxide cylinder; a gate pneumatic system in fluid communication with the compressed gas system, and including a gate pneumatic ram pivotally attached to the first support at a proximal end and attached to the gate at a distal end; a latch pneumatic system in fluid communication with the compressed gas system, and including a latch pneumatic ram attached to the gate proximate a latch; and a controller, wherein the compressed gas system is configured to provide a controllable pressure of gas to the gate pneumatic system and the latch pneumatic system and is under control of the controller.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the compressed gas system is configured to provide between about 241 kPa to about 861 kPa pressure when the controller is actuated.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the controller is a solenoid actuator.

4. The assembly of claim 3, further comprising a first flow controller on a first outlet of the gate pneumatic ram and a second flow controller on a second outlet of the gate pneumatic ram.

5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the first flow controller is a first adjustable valve and the second flow controller is a second adjustable valve.

6. The assembly of claim 5, further comprising a remote control transmitter and a remote control receiver, the remote control transmitter for electronic communication with the remote control receiver, the remote control receiver in electrical communication with the solenoid actuator.

7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the gate pneumatic ram is attached at the proximal end to the gate with a mounting assembly that includes a two dimensional gimbal.

8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the latch pneumatic ram is spring-loaded.

9. A method of opening and closing a gate and a latch, the method comprising utilizing the assembly of claim 1; adjusting a first adjustable valve on a first outlet of the pneumatic ram and adjusting a second adjustable valve on a second outlet of the pneumatic ram to control a speed of opening and closing the gate; actuating the controller; and de-actuating the controller.

Description

FIGURES

(1) FIG. 1 is a side view of the gate assembly of the present technology.

(2) FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the pneumatic system and the control system of the present technology.

(3) FIG. 3 is a side view of the gate pneumatic ram attached to the support and gate.

(4) FIG. 4 is a side view of the latch mechanism.

(5) FIG. 5 is a side view of the gate pneumatic ram.

(6) FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the method of using the present technology.

(7) FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the method of installing and adjusting the present technology.

DESCRIPTION

(8) Except as otherwise expressly provided, the following rules of interpretation apply to this specification (written description, claims and drawings): (a) all words used herein shall be construed to be of such gender or number (singular or plural) as the circumstances require; (b) the singular terms a, an, and the, as used in the specification and the appended claims include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise; (c) the antecedent term about applied to a recited range or value denotes an approximation within the deviation in the range or value known or expected in the art from the measurements method; (d) the words herein, hereby, hereof, hereto, hereinbefore, and hereinafter, and words of similar import, refer to this specification in its entirety and not to any particular paragraph, claim or other subdivision, unless otherwise specified; (e) descriptive headings are for convenience only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of any part of the specification; and (f) or and any are not exclusive and include and including are not limiting. Further, The terms comprising, having, including, and containing are to be construed as open ended terms (i.e., meaning including, but not limited to,) unless otherwise noted.

(9) To the extent necessary to provide descriptive support, the subject matter and/or text of the appended claims is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

(10) Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. Where a specific range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is included therein. All smaller sub ranges are also included. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges are also included therein, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range.

(11) Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the relevant art. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used, the acceptable methods and materials are now described.

(12) The present technology is suited for use in housing, retail and industrial facilities requiring controlled door and gate opening and closing for security purposes, keeping out animals, and the like. The technology is also suited for disabled persons requiring remote and automatic door opening capabilities accessible from, for example, a wheelchair. It is especially suited to remote locations or off the grid locations, such as entrances to oil field sites, farmer's fields and ranches. It is a low cost, low power, closed loop system that does not require infrastructure such as plumbing or power. It is a self-contained, stand alone system. It is safe to use. Unlike hydraulic rams and linear actuators, pneumatic rams will cease to function if, for example, the gate is hit by a car and the system is damaged. Carbon dioxide is a very safe gas to use, as it is non-combustible, inert, non-toxic and non-corrosive. Other features that make carbon dioxide the preferred gas include its compressibility (1 pound of carbon dioxide gas is equal to 8.741 cubic feet of gas), and therefore a higher volume of gas can be stored per tank than with other gases, it is a relatively low pressure gas, maintaining a tank pressure less than a third that of other common gases like nitrogen or scuba tanks, again adding to its safety attributes, and it is readily available.

(13) The present system can open a gate weighing up to about 272 kilograms (kg) that is up to about 4.9 metres (16 feet) in length. Significantly, with an about 9 kg compressed carbon dioxide canister, it can open this gate about 2000 times. This realistically allows for opening and closing of the gate for a year on one canister. Movement of the gate is very smooth, unlike those controlled with linear actuators. The technology supports automatic gate opening of both one and two gate designs.

(14) Definitions

(15) In the context of the present technology, a gate opener is understood to mean a gate or door opener and closer.

(16) In the context of the present technology, a latch opener is understood to mean a latch or catch opener.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(17) A method of opening and closing a gate and latch follows: A remote control device, which is preferably hand held, is used to signal a low voltage solenoid actuator to open or close a solenoid actuated control valve. This control valve has open/close pipe connections to a gate pneumatic ram bolted both to the gate to be controlled and the gate post or other structural element, such as a wall. Opening the control valve results in pressure being applied, the piston of the gate pneumatic ram is urged from the cylinder which opens the gate to its selected open position. Pressing the remote control device again results in the control valve closing and urging the piston of the gate pneumatic ram to retract and thus close the gate. Additionally, when the remote device is first pressed (gate open mode), pressure exerted on the latch pneumatic ram urges the latch of the latch assembly to disengage, thus allowing the gate to open. Upon gate closing, the latch will automatically lock back into position.

(18) A gate assembly, generally referred to as 10, is shown in FIG. 1. It has a compressed gas cylinder 12 that is attached with a strap 14 to a first fence post 16 or other suitable structure proximate a gate 18. The gas cylinder 12 is a compressed carbon dioxide cylinder. The gate 18 can be seen to have hinges 20 on a first side 22, that are attached to the fence post 16 and a latch 24 on a second side 26 that cooperates with a keeper 28. The keeper 28 is attached to a second fence post 30 or other suitable structure proximate the gate 18. A control box 32 is also attached to the fence post 16 or other suitable structure. A gate pneumatic ram 40 is pivotally attached to via a mounting assembly 42 to the control box 32 at a cylinder distal end 44 (see FIG. 3) and to a bracket 46 on the gate 18 at a piston distal end 48 (see FIG. 3). A latch pneumatic line 50 can be seen extending from the control box 22 across the gate 18 to a latch pneumatic ram 52.

(19) As shown in FIG. 2, the gas cylinder 12 is in fluid communication with a pressure gauge 60 and an adjustable pressure regulator 62. The pressure regulator 62 is for controlling the input pressure from the gas cylinder 12 in to a common pneumatic line 64. The preferred input pressure for the present technology is about 241 kilo Pascals (kPa), to about 310 kPa, and up to about 861 kPa and all pressures therebetween. The selected pressure is dependent on the type and weight of the gate being opened. The pressure regulator 62 is in fluid communication with the common pneumatic line 64, which is in fluid communication with a second pressure gauge 66 and a control valve 68. The control valve 68 is a 2 position, four way valve and is in fluid communication with each of an open gate pneumatic line 70, a closed gate pneumatic line 72 and the latch pneumatic line 50. The open and closed gate pneumatic lines 70, 72 are in fluid communication with the gate pneumatic ram 40. The control valve 68 is also in fluid communication with the latch pneumatic line 50, which in turn is in fluid communication with the latch pneumatic ram 52.

(20) A 9 kg tank of compressed carbon dioxide set at 275 kPa can open an average gate about 2000 openings, which translates to 6 openings and closings per day for 333 days (this gate example is also opening the gate on an uphill driveway needing higher pressure to open gate on an angle, rather than on flat land).

(21) A remote control transmitter 90 is in electronic communication with a remote control receiver 92, which in turn is in electrical communication with a solenoid actuator 94. Power is provided to the solenoid actuator with a battery 96, which is preferably a 12 volt battery. The battery 96 is recharged with a solar panel 98 in electrical communication with the battery 96. The gate gas line 64, second pressure gauge 66, control valve 68, remote control receiver 92, solenoid actuator 94 and battery 96 are preferably housed in the control box 32. The remote control transmitter 90 is preferably a push button device used in typical garage door opener products (typical device would be 12 v DC at 315 MHz). Pressing this device by the remote user will start the gate opening chain of events as described below.

(22) FIG. 3 details the gate pneumatic ram 40 arm connection to the gate 18 and control box 32. The piston of the gate pneumatic ram 40 (referred to as the gate piston 100) is affixed to the gate 18 with a clip-on fixture 102 that is two clips 104 and an aluminum flange 106. The flange 106 has an aperture 108 through which a bolt/nut combination 110 is used to secure the distal end 48 of the piston 100 to the flange 106 and therefore the gate 18. The location of this clip-on fixture 102 is based on specific gate dimensions and is placed to enable full gate closing and opening functionality. The clip-on fixture 102 also allows routing of the latch pneumatic line 50 to the latch pneumatic ram 52 (see FIG. 4). The gate pneumatic ram 40 mounting assembly 42 comprises a two dimensional gimbal 120 capable of 360 degrees movement in the horizontal plane in addition to movement in the vertical plane. Thus, as the pneumatic operation starts, gate pneumatic ram 40 can move in both horizontal and vertical planes simultaneouslythis is to address the potential for gate movement in the vertical plane due to settling over time, etc.

(23) FIG. 4 shows the latching mechanism. It includes the latch 24 and the keeper 28, which are on the second fence post 30 and the latch pneumatic ram 52, which is attached to the gate 18 and is aligned with the latch 24. The keeper 28 is spring-loaded and is a dual facing design enabling the gate to open/close in either direction. The latch pneumatic ram 52 has a spring 150 about the latch piston 152, and is therefore spring-loaded. The latch pneumatic line 50 is in fluid communication with the latch pneumatic ram 52.

(24) FIG. 5 shows the details of the gate pneumatic ram 40. A first adjustable valve 160 is located at a first outlet 162 and a second adjustable valve 164 is located at a second outlet 166. Alternatively, the first adjustable valve 160 and the second adjustable valve 164 are in line in the open gate pneumatic line 70 and the closed gate pneumatic line 72, preferably proximate the outlets 162, 166.

(25) The adjustable valves allow for adjustment of flow rates when the gate is being installed, to adjust for desired speed of opening and closing, weight and length of gate, as well as to accommodate the environment, for example, the slope of the land. Further, adjustments can be made on the fly, as required.

(26) FIG. 6 shows the method by which the system operates. The remote control transmitter sends 300 a coded ON transmission. The remote control receiver receives 302 the coded ON transmission from the remote control transmitter. A voltage signal is sent 304 to the solenoid actuator. The solenoid actuator opens 306 the control valve. This actuates 308 both the gate pneumatic ram and the latch pneumatic ram. The latch piston rises 310 leading to the spring-loaded keeper rising 312, thus freeing the gate. Concomitantly, the gate piston is urged 314 outward, causing the gate to swing 316 open. Upon a second pressing of the remote control transmitter a coded OFF transmission is sent 320. The solenoid actuator de-activates 322 thus resulting in the control valve 68 closing 324. The gate piston retracts 326, causing the gate to be drawn 328 toward the closing position. Closing of the control valve also causes the latch piston to retract 330. Once the gate closes, the latch engages 332 the keeper, thus locking 334 the gate. The gate can be controlled to open inward or outward.

(27) FIG. 7 outlines the steps taken to install and adjust the gate opener and closer. A user attaches 400 the control box to a suitable object close to the gate and attaches 402 the carbon dioxide cylinder proximate the controller and gate. Both may be attached to a gate post. The latch pneumatic line is attached 404 to the latch pneumatic ram. The latch pneumatic ram is attached 406 to the gate such that it is positioned to urge the keeper from an engaged position to a disengaged position. The latch pneumatic line is attached 408 to the gate as needed. The gate pneumatic ram is pivotally attached 410 to via a mounting assembly to the control box at a cylinder distal end and to a bracket on the gate at a piston distal end. A solar panel is located 412 in a suitable location and wired 414 to the battery that is housed, preferably, in the control box. The adjustable pressure regulator is adjusted 415 to provide sufficient pressure to actuate the rams. The rate of opening and closing of the gate is adjusted 416 using the adjustable valves on the gate pneumatic ram to adjust the flow rate.

(28) The entire assembly may be provided, or a kit may be provided.

(29) A smart phone could be used for the remote control functionality. Similarly, a Global Positioning System (GPS) could be integrated into the kit to replace the remote control functionality. Security codes could be added to cause the gate, for example, to close after a predetermined time.

(30) While example embodiments have been described in connection with what is presently considered to be an example of a possible most practical and/or suitable embodiment, it is to be understood that the descriptions are not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the example embodiment. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific example embodiments specifically described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed in the scope of the claims, if appended hereto or subsequently filed.