Abstract: A winding assembly used in conjunction with a door having a counterbalance system operable to offset the weight of the door, the counterbalance system including an axle rotatably supported on a pair of support brackets located at each side of the door and a counterbalance spring adapted to apply a counterbalancing force to the door.

Abstract: A winding assembly used in conjunction with a door having a counterbalance system operable to offset the weight of the door, the counterbalance system including an axle rotatably supported on a pair of support brackets located at each side of the door and a counterbalance spring adapted to apply a counterbalancing force to the door.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a flexible curtain is disclosed and claimed. The flexible curtain is used in a windlocking apparatus to prevent the unwanted intrusion of wind, water and debris into a building opening. Strips are attached to the edges of the curtain. The strips may be attached to the curtain by first heating them followed by compressing them to form a welded or bonded construction. The heating may be accomplished by direct heat transfer, electromagnetic excitation, or ultrasonic excitation. Compressing the materials together is accomplished with rollers having cylindrical laminating surfaces to join the excited materials and form a welded or bonded construction. Alternatively, the materials may be glued or stitched together. Preferably the curtain and strips are thermoplastic materials. Semi-crystalline polymer strips may be joined to a thermoplastic curtain to add rigidity.

Abstract: An operator (10) for moving in upward and downward directions a sectional door (D) having a counterbalancing system (30) including a drive tube (31) interconnected with the door including, a reversible motor (40), a drive shaft (50) selectively driven in two directions by the motor, a drive gear (61) freely rotatably mounted on the drive shaft, a driven gear (65) mounted on the drive tube and operatively engaging the drive gear, a disconnect assembly (70) having a spool (71) rotatable with the drive shaft and movable into and out of engagement with the drive gear for selectively connecting and disconnecting the motor and the drive tube, and an actuating mechanism (80) normally maintaining said spool in engagement with the drive gear and biasing the spool out of engagement with the drive gear when released to permit independent movement of the door.