Abstract: Movable partitions and systems are provided and may include accordion-style folding doors or partitions having sheets of folding panels. In one embodiment, the movable partition may include at least two hinge panels indirectly connecting adjacent folding panels. The hinge panels may have laterally space the adjacent folding panels from one another such that a compartment is formed upon retraction or folding of the sheets of folding panels. One or more control devices, such as an actuation device or a display panel, may be mounted on at least one of the hinge panels, or on the panel disposed between hinge panels such that, when the movable partition is in a retracted or folded state, the actuation devices are housed within the compartment.

Abstract: A foldaway security shutter (1) is described, comprising a plurality of transverse elements (2) articulated together by means of connecting-rods (3) pivoted at the ends (4) of said transverse elements (2), two lateral uprights (6) within which the ends (4) of the transverse elements (2) and the connecting-rods (3) slide between a closed position in which said transverse elements (2) extend along the uprights (6) and an open position in which the transverse elements (2) are gathered in an upper box (8), and operating means (7) for the transverse elements (2). Said operating means (7) are equipped with a toothed wheel (9) operated by an electric motor (17), suitable for engaging the internal teeth (10) of rack connecting-rods (3), causing the upward or downward movement of the transverse elements (2).

Abstract: A retractable rigid window awning includes a number of U-shaped panels pivotally attached to a building on the sides of a window. In the retracted position, the panels are disposed above the window, in tiers. Each panel has a pair of actuators that enable its extension and retraction. Each actuator is attached to the panel at one end and to a movable nut at the other end via articulated joints. The nuts are installed on a driving screw attached to the building. The awning is extended by rotating the screw, which causes the nuts to travel along the screw. The actuators push their respective panels out and tilt them down. Depending on the length of actuators, panels travel different distances from the building creating a continuous shade over the window. The awning is retracted by rotating the screw in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A device for monitoring motion of a movable closure arranged for travel between limit positions, comprising an absolute position encoder for identifying whether the closure is in one of a plurality of sectors of travel, a relative position encoder for monitoring the speed and relative position of the closure, and a drive means for operatively coupling the relative position encoder and the absolute position encoder to the closure, such that there is a fixed relationship between motion of the closure and movement of both encoders, wherein the absolute position encoder features an adjustment assembly comprising a first element and a second element, the first element being selectively adjustable in position relative to the second element to adjust the absolute position encoder without movement of the drive means or the relative position encoder.

Abstract: A control system for cordless blinds includes at least one wrapping unit, at least one rod and a transmission cord which is wrapped to the at least one rod. Two cords are wrapped to the at least one rod and extend through the slats and are fixed to the bottom bar connected to the lower end of the slats. Two frames are fixed in the top box and located beneath the at least one rod. The frames each include at least one notch so as to support the at least one rod. One of the two frames includes first and second pulleys and the other frame includes a third pulley. The transmission cord and the two cords are wrapped to the pulleys respectively, such that the transmission cord and the two cords are operated smoothly. The number of the rod and the frames can be added as needed.

Abstract: A support assembly for a barrier movable between open and closed positions over an opening comprises a track. The track is attached to the wall for guiding movement of the barrier between substantially vertical closed position and a substantially horizontal open position. A jack shaft assembly is attached to the track and to the barrier for movement thereof. A mounting assembly is attached to the track for receiving a drive unit comprising a motor for supplying power to the jack shaft assembly to move the barrier and for limiting rotational movement of the drive unit.

Abstract: A torsion coil spring type counterbalance system for an upward acting door includes one or more sleeves disposed over or within the spring coils and engageable with a pre-determined number of spring coils during operation of the spring to modify the spring rate to more closely approximate the required counterbalance forces exertable on the door when the door moves between open and closed positions. The counterbalance system is particularly advantageous for upward acting sectional doors which have one or more sections which are heavier than the other sections, including an uppermost section which may be heavier due to the provision of windows or other structural features of the section.

Abstract: A stacking panel covering for an architectural opening includes a headrail and a plurality of suspended from the headrail. The panels form an overlapped stack at one end of the headrail when the stacking panel covering is opened, and cover the architectural opening when the stacking panel covering is closed. The panels are piggybacked on those adjacent thereto, so that they stack, one behind the next, when the stacking panel covering is opened, and so that each pulls the next adjacent thereto as the stacking panel covering is being closed. The panels themselves may be planar, or convexly curved in a horizontal direction and substantially straight in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A folding leaf gate comprising a post hung section hingedly attachable to a gate post and at least one leaf hung section hingedly connected in series with the post hung section by means of one or more section hinges, wherein the folding leaf gate additionally includes a rotating device associated with the or each leaf hung section and sharing a common axis of rotation with the or each section hinge and secured in a static relationship to a leaf hung section whereby rotation of the or each rotating device causes rotation of a leaf hung section about the or each section hinge, and one or more translating devices engaging the or each rotating devices, the one or more translating device being configured, when in use, to translate rotational motion of the post hung section about a gate post to rotation of the one or more rotating devices whereby simultaneously to open a gateway closed by the folding leaf gate and fold the folding leaf gate in two or more.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the method and device for manipulation with thermo-insulating cover (4) of massage pool or swimming massage pool (1) between its covering position and opened position and vice versa, while the thermo-insulating cover (4) comprises at least one pair of thermo-insulating segments (41, 42) formed of carrier thermo-insulating segment (41) and carried thermo-insulating segment (42), which are together rotatably connected and in covering position are lying by their bottom surfaces (411, 421) on circumference of the massage pool (1), while the carrier thermo-insulating segment (41) is rotatably mounted on the massage pool (1).

Abstract: A panel including a plurality of first members disposed in a first direction, at least one second member disposed in a second direction provided with a longitudinal opening extending at least partially through the at least one second member; a plurality of lateral openings intersecting the longitudinal opening to receive at least a portion of respective first members, and at least one locking member provided adjacent each lateral opening to abut a first member forced into the lateral opening, to lock the first member relative to the second member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sound absorbing blind system. It includes a support means for a plurality of window blinds, a plurality of window blinds and operational means connected to the support means and to the plurality of window blinds for opening and closing the plurality of window blinds. Each of the plurality of window blinds is adapted for sound absorption and each of the plurality of window blinds is an acoustically and insulatively absorptive, unistructural member having a noise reduction coefficient of at least 0.60 when said plurality of blinds are closed. The plurality of window blinds is constructed of at least one layer of material, with blinds composed of multiple materials remaining a unistructural member. The blinds are described without the need for rigid extruded plastic or metal blinds or blind substrates used in conventional blinds of the prior art, simplifying manufacturing while improving sound absorption properties of the present invention blinds system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of directionally controlling a movable partition includes providing at least one roller assembly and a steering actuator, coupled therewith, to a portion of the partition. A controller may be used to control the steering actuator and thereby select, or change, the orientation of the roller assembly with respect to the partition. In one embodiment, one or more sensors may be used to determine the vertical orientation of the partition including whether the partition, or a section thereof, is substantially plumb. If the partition is substantially out of plumb, for example, if a lower edge of the partition is laterally displaced relative to an upper edge of the partition, the controller and steering actuator may cause the at least one roller assembly to direct the partition, or section thereof, in a particular direction until the partition, or section thereof, becomes substantially plumb.

Abstract: A door assembly having a multi-panel door connected to a casing that is inserted into a structure opening. The multi-panel door can be operated by a control assembly operatively coupled to the casing and the multi-panel door. The multi-panel door can be a bi-fold door having an upper panel and lower panel operatively coupled together. The upper panel can be pivotally coupled to the casing at one end and pivotally coupled to a portion of the lower panel at its other end. The control assembly can control movement of the door between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for providing battery-backed power to movable partitions are disclosed. A power converter generates a DC output from an AC input. The DC output may be selectively decoupled from an enabled DC output such that the DC output can be monitored for acceptable operation in-situ. The enabled DC output may be selectively coupled to a battery output terminal. A charge current may be sensed between the enabled DC output and the battery output to control charging of the battery with a pulse-width modulation operation by controlling the selective coupling of the enabled DC output to the battery output. The enabled DC output and the battery output are coupled in a logical-OR configuration to generate a supply output providing current from the enabled DC output and the battery. The supply output may drive a movable partition controller and a motor configured for opening and closing a movable partition.

Abstract: A pet door unit allowing entry to and egress from a dwelling of an animal includes a pet door provided with a latch. The pet door is mounted for movement to allow passage of an animal when the latch is disabled. The pet door unit includes an animal detector for detecting an animal seeking passage past the pet door. A controller allows selection of a permitted passage condition. A disabler selectively disables the latch. Other arrangements described include systems for controlling entry and exit for different animals in different time frames, systems that detect an animal by a tag carried by the animal, systems that detect a door, systems that detect whether an animal has actually passed through the door and in which direction, and systems that record time and direction of passage, a preferred coil geometry for tag detection, and a preferred latch.

Abstract: Various apparatuses, methods and systems for directionally controlling a movable partition are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus may include at least one roller assembly coupled to a portion of a movable partition. A roller element of the roller assembly may be configured to maintain contact with an adjacent surface (e.g., a floor) while the partition is displaced along a desired path even though the adjacent surface may exhibit unevenness, undulations or other substantially nonplanar surface features. In one embodiment, the apparatus may be configured to maintain a substantially constant force between the roller element and the adjacent surface. In another embodiment, the apparatus may be configured to maintain a force between the roller element and the adjacent surface substantially within a specified range. A steering actuator may also be used to select, or change, the orientation of the roller assembly with respect to the partition.

Abstract: An operator system for moving a barrier between limit positions, comprising an operator motor assembly mounted proximate to the barrier, at least a portion of said operator motor assembly movable depending upon an operating condition thereof; a counterbalance system adapted to be connected to the barrier, said counterbalance system coupled to said operator motor assembly to move the barrier; and an integral cable storage drum and transfer assembly connecting said operator motor assembly to said counterbalance system.

Abstract: An automatic barrier operator system for operating a gate or upward acting garage door, for example, includes a controller for operating a reversible motor, a base radio frequency transmitter and a base radio frequency receiver. One or more remote control units include a radio frequency remote receiver and remote transmitter. The controller is operable to automatically close or open the barrier in response to a query signal sent from the base transmitter to the remote receiver and when the remote receiver is within range, returning a signal to effect operation of the barrier. The system is operable to effect operation or maintain the status quo of the barrier depending on the state of the barrier and a particular signal or lack of signal received by the controller from an authorized remote control unit or units. The system provides essentially hands-free automatic operation of opening and closing a garage door and the like.

Abstract: A stacking mechanism comprising: a rotatable screw with external thread of length L and pitch P1; a plurality of N traveling nuts mounted on the screw, having internal thread of pitch P1 and external thread of pitch P2, P1>P2; an arrester preventing rotation of the nuts within a length L1 of the screw, while allowing sliding; and a threaded member of pitch P2 adapted to engage the external thread of the nuts within a length L2 of the screw. In a first position of the mechanism, the nuts are arranged over the length L1. Upon rotation of the screw, the nuts slide along the screw at rate P1 per 1 turn, transit from L1 to L2, and then slide within the length L2 at a rate P2 per 1 turn, thereby achieving reversibly a second position of the mechanism where they are arranged over the length L2, L2<L1.

Abstract: A system for controlling a roller shade having a roller tube windingly receiving a shade fabric varies roller tube rotational speed for constant linear shade speed. The desired linear shade speed, roller tube diameter and shade fabric thickness and length are stored in a memory for use by a microprocessor. Preferably, the roller tube rotational speed is varied by the microprocessor depending on shade position determined by signals from Hall effect sensors. The microprocessor maintains a counter number that is increased or decreased depending on direction of rotation. Based on the counter number, the microprocessor determines shade position and a corrected rotational speed for the desired linear shade speed. Preferably, the microprocessor controls roller tube rotational speed using a pulse width modulated signal. The system may be used to control first and second roller shades having roller tubes of differing diameters or shade fabrics of varying thicknesses.

Abstract: A tensioning pin system (10) is provided for use in shutter-louver assemblies (12). The major component of the system (10) is a tensioning pin (50) in two mating parts; a pin member (52) and a ferrule member (54) which fit together and rotate with respect to one another. The pin member (52) is lodged within a louver slat (16) while the ferrule member (54) is firmly embedded into the shutter frame (14). The tensioning pin (50) maintains rotational tension for placement of the louver slat (16) and lateral separation between the louver slat (16) and the frame (14). A preferred interface between the pin member (52) and the ferrule member (54) includes an annular protrusion (80) mating with a catch channel (74) while alternate tension interfaces incorporate varying gradients on one of the members with a bead ring on the other member.

Abstract: An operator for use in connection with a door system including an axle having an operator framework supporting an operator motor, the operator framework defining a clearance adapted to insertably receive the axle therein, a gear assembly defining a bore in which the axle is received and including a removable gear segment adapted to selectively medially open the bore to receive the axle, wherein the motor is interconnected with the gear assembly to cause rotation thereof.

Abstract: An automatic barrier operator system for operating a gate or upward acting garage door, for example, includes a controller for operating a reversible motor, a base radio frequency transmitter and a base radio frequency receiver. One or more remote control units include a radio frequency remote receiver and remote transmitter. The controller is operable to automatically close or open the barrier in response to a query signal sent from the base transmitter to the remote receiver and when the remote receiver is within range, returning a signal to effect operation of the barrier. The system is operable to effect operation or maintain the status quo of the barrier depending on the state of the barrier and a particular signal or lack of signal received by the controller from an authorized remote control unit or units. The system provides essentially hands-free automatic operation of opening and closing a garage door and the like.

Abstract: A vehicle sliding door actuator including a profile section provided with a rail track in which a movement unit is placed so as to be movable, and a cable duct along the rail track, provided with a coiled cord in the cable duct which at one end is connected to the movement unit and at its other end near one end of the cable duct.

Abstract: A sprocket having a slot formed therethrough can be disposed about the non-rotating support rod of a given roller door. This sprocket is then attached to the door-supporting frame such that the sprocket is positioned externally to the roller door. A connector can serve to effect this attachment. This connector might comprise a plurality of bolts with support sleeves. By this approach, the sprocket can be maintained at a fixed distance from the door supporting frame. This connector might also comprise an adjustable connector that adjustably and fixedly connects the sprocket with respect to the door-supporting frame. By one approach, the sprocket connects directly to the door-supporting frame. By another approach, if desired, the sprocket connects to a frame interface which connects, in turn, to the door-supporting frame. This frame interface can itself also have a slot formed therethrough to again facilitate placing the frame interface into an installed position.

Abstract: Apparatus and techniques for bracing roll down doors of a building against severe winds and against burglary use a vertical bar mounted in a quick release fashion to a plate mounted to the floor by the door and a mounting bracket, mounted to the building, which receives a bracket mounted to the vertical bar which slides into the bracket. The equipment can be provided in a kit form for easy installation by a homeowner, authorized dealer or contractor. The apparatus can be quickly and easily installed for security or when a threat of severe wind is anticipated and easily removed when the threat has passed.

Abstract: A slat angle adjusting device has a body, a positioning bar, a pinion, a drive axle, a rotating rod and a roller. The drive axle is rotatably mounted inside the body, engages with the pinion and has at least one helical tooth and an engaging end provided with multiple teeth. Each helical tooth is composed of multiple separate helical tooth elements, and a gap is defined between each pair of adjacent helical tooth elements. With the arrangement of gaps between the teeth elements, burs are prevented from occurring on the helical teeth of the drive axle, such that the transmission between the drive axle and the pinion is smooth.

Abstract: A system for controlling a roller shade having a roller tube windingly receiving a shade fabric varies roller tube rotational speed for constant linear shade speed. The desired linear shade speed, roller tube diameter and shade fabric thickness and length are stored in a memory for use by a microprocessor. Preferably, the roller tube rotational speed is varied by the microprocessor depending on shade position determined by signals from Hall effect sensors. The microprocessor maintains a counter number that is increased or decreased depending on direction of rotation. Based on the counter number, the microprocessor determines shade position and a corrected rotational speed for the desired linear shade speed. Preferably, the microprocessor controls roller tube rotational speed using a pulse width modulated signal. The system may be used to control first and second roller shades having roller tubes of differing diameters or shade fabrics of varying thicknesses.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of directionally controlling a movable partition includes providing at least one roller assembly and a steering actuator, coupled therewith, to a portion of the partition. A controller may be used to control the steering actuator and thereby select, or change, the orientation of the roller assembly with respect to the partition. In one embodiment, one or more sensors may be used to determine the vertical orientation of the partition including whether the partition, or a section thereof, is substantially plumb. If the partition is substantially out of plumb, for example, if a lower edge of the partition is laterally displaced relative to an upper edge of the partition, the controller and steering actuator may cause the at least one roller assembly to direct the partition, or section thereof, in a particular direction until the partition, or section thereof, becomes substantially plumb.

Abstract: A parking area entrance or exit barrier includes a control system which receives inputs from various accessories associated with the operation of the barrier, and which provides control signals to the various accessories of the barrier. One of the accessories includes a sensor attached to the barrier. The sensor senses an accident event, such as contact between the barrier and a vehicle. Whenever an accident event is sensed, the control system creates an accident event log of information concerning the accident event. The accident event log may include video images of the barrier, a position of the barrier, a movement direction and speed of the barrier, and an approximated speed of the vehicle. The control system may also monitor a performance of the various accessories of the barrier and create a performance log relating to any malfunction of the accessories.

Abstract: A paneled partition assembly is designed to close an opening and collapses to uncover the opening by a movement of at least one panel that initiates the rotation and translation of at least one other panel. When the paneled partition assembly is in a closed or extended position, the plurality of panels covers the opening regardless of the opening's shape, size, or irregularity. When the paneled partition assembly is in an open or retracted position, the plurality of panels collapse to a smaller configuration. In moving between the extended and retracted positions, the panels rotate and translate fluidly with minimum user interaction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of directionally controlling a movable partition includes providing at least one roller assembly and a steering actuator, coupled therewith, to a portion of the partition. A controller may be used to control the steering actuator and thereby select, or change, the orientation of the roller assembly with respect to the partition. In one embodiment, one or more sensors may be used to determine the vertical orientation of the partition including whether the partition, or a section thereof, is substantially plumb. If the partition is substantially out of plumb, for example, if a lower edge of the partition is laterally displaced relative to an upper edge of the partition, the controller and steering actuator may cause the at least one roller assembly to direct the partition, or section thereof, in a particular direction until the partition, or section thereof, becomes substantially plumb.

Abstract: This configuration method applies to a system for driving a screen (1) for closure or sun protection purposes, the system comprising an actuator (10) for driving the screen (1), at least one control member (20, 30) provided with at least one button (201, 202, 301, 302, 303), and an electronic unit (12) suitable for controlling the actuator (10) as a function of a control signal (S1, S2, S?1, S?2, S?3) received from the control member (20, 30). The method comprises a step of switching the electronic unit over to a training mode on the basis of a predetermined series of control signals received from the control member (20, 30), the series of signals being the result of executing a predetermined press sequence on at least one button (201, 202, 301, 302, 303) of the control member (20, 30).

Abstract: A door system is provided for a door opening defined by a pair of vertically spaced jambs, a header positioned near the vertical extremity of the jambs, and a floor supporting the jambs. The door system includes a door, a plurality of track sections, the door being movable on the track sections, and a support system coupled to the door. Engagement of the support system when the door is in a closed position enables transfer of forces applied to the door at least to one of the header and the floor. One embodiment provides for automatic actuation of the support system by movement of a pivoting motor assembly to a closed position. Another embodiment provides for manual actuation of the support system.

Abstract: An improved retractable covering for an architectural opening includes an improved mounting bracket, an improved limit stop to prevent over-retraction and over-extension of the retractable covering, an improved battery pack mounting bracket for attaching a power supply to a head rail of the retractable covering, an improved battery pack mounting apparatus for attaching a battery pack to a head rail, an improved control system for the retractable covering, and an improved method of using a wireless remote control or a manually operated switch to activate a motor to control the configuration of the covering, including the extension or retraction of the covering, and the transmissivity of the covering. The disclosed improvements are field retrofittable.

Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening includes a fixed stationary rail at one end of a plurality of slats and a movable rail at the opposite end of the slats with the slats being movable to and from the fixed rail to create extended and retracted positions of the architectural covering. At least one continuous drive cord is arranged in a loop with both its ends attached to the movable rail and at least one fixed cord return guide is provided. A drive spool adapted to be selectively rotatable in opposite directions of rotation and is operatively engaged with the drive cord so that the drive cord can be wrapped around the drive spool to establish driving engagement.

Abstract: A stacking mechanism for shutter members of a shutter mechanism, comprising: a rotatable screw with external thread of length L and pitch P1; a plurality of N traveling nuts mounted on the screw, having internal thread of pitch P1 and external thread of pitch P2,P1>P2; an arrester preventing rotation of the nuts within a length L1 of the screw, while allowing sliding; and a threaded member of pitch P2 adapted to engage the external thread of the nuts within a length L2 of the screw. In a first position of the mechanism, the nuts are arranged over the length L1. Upon rotation of the screw, the nuts slide along the screw at rate P1 per 1 turn, transit from L1 to L2, and then slide within the length L2 at a rate P2 per 1 turn, thereby achieving reversibly a second position of the mechanism where they are arranged over the length L2,L2<L1.

Abstract: An operator for use in connection with a door system including an axle having an operator framework supporting an operator motor, the operator framework defining a clearance adapted to insertably receive the axle therein, a gear assembly defining a bore in which the axle is received and including a removable gear segment adapted to selectively medially open the bore to receive the axle, wherein the motor is interconnected with the gear assembly to cause rotation thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a double-sided equipment for a braking system, comprising a first braking pad, a second braking pad, a braking component, a fixing spring component, a compression spring, and an electromagnet, wherein the braking component located between the first braking pad and the second braking pad is movable along the axle of the door operator but is unrotatable with respect to the door operator axle. As a result of the compression spring, the first braking pad and the braking component will be pushed together towards the second braking pad, thereby the braking component is clamped from its two sides by the two braking pads. When the first braking pad is retracted by the electromagnet, the fixing spring enables the braking component to separate from the second braking pad, causing the braking component to be fully separated from the first and second braking pads.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a garage door opener in which a plurality of main rail segments are pivotably connected. The pivotable connection allows at least a portion of the main rail segments to be folded. When secured in a non-folded orientation, the plurality of main rail members form a main rail. The distal end of the main rail may be operably connected to a motor. The proximate end of a main rail may be operably attached to an adjustment system that includes a housing and an adjustment member. The housing may be operably attached to a pinion that engages at least a portion of a drive component. Manipulation of the adjustment member may move the pinion towards or away from the adjacent main rail, thereby either pulling or relaxing the engagement between the pinion and the drive component, and thus adjusting tension in the drive component.

Abstract: A profiled bar for securement to the top of an opening, including a first internal longitudinal cavity to accommodate a raising mechanism for adjusting an attached covering for the opening, at least one opening into the cavity to accommodate at least one control cord which may be connected to the lower edge of the covering, and at least one second longitudinal cavity having a constricted opening along one edge of the bar of a size to accept one edge of the covering and which will prevent passage through the constriction.

Abstract: An operator system and related methods for automatically controlling access barriers which includes a base controller associated with at least one access barrier and at least one base receiver associated with the base controller. The system also includes at least one mobile transmitter that automatically and periodically generates at least one mobile signal detectable by the base receiver. The base controller selectively generates barrier movement commands upon receipt of the at least one mobile signal. Timers may be used to block receipt of any mobile signals for a period of time to prevent any further door movement. Such a system allows for hands-free operation of the access barrier. A discrete processing system may also be used to retrofit existing barrier operator systems for use in hands-free operation.

Abstract: An operator system and related methods for automatically controlling access barriers which includes a base controller associated with at least one access barrier and at least one base receiver associated with the base controller. The system also includes at least one mobile transmitter that automatically and periodically generates at least one mobile signal detectable by the base receiver. The base controller selectively generates barrier movement commands upon receipt of the at least one mobile signal in an operate mode. The operator and the mobile transmitter both include transceivers to allow two-way communication therebetween during a learn mode. Such a system allows for hands-free operation of the access barrier. A discrete processing system may also be used to retrofit existing barrier operator systems for use in hands-free operation.

Abstract: A fire door control system permits user input during regular use and during alarm conditions. The system utilizes primary and secondary power sources and incorporates a variety of preventive safeguards assuring that functionality of the fire door control system will not be lost. The system utilizes primary power when possible in all alarm conditions. However, during alarm conditions when primary power is lost or when a hand crank hoist remains dangerously engaged, the system is bumplessly connected to a secondary power source and a fire door of the system is closed with the aid of a clutch that directly connects the drive input with an axle that supports the fire door. The clutch pulses on and off to control the descent of the door. The system includes an electronic controller for coordinating the operation of elements of the system and for implementing a method of controlling a fire door system.

Abstract: A system for controlling a roller shade having a roller tube windingly receiving a shade fabric varies roller tube rotational speed for constant linear shade speed. The desired linear shade speed, roller tube diameter and shade fabric thickness and length are stored in a memory for use by a microprocessor. Preferably, the roller tube rotational speed is varied by the microprocessor depending on shade position determined by signals from Hall effect sensors. The microprocessor maintains a counter number that is increased or decreased depending on direction of rotation. Based on the counter number, the microprocessor determines shade position and a corrected rotational speed for the desired linear shade speed. Preferably, the microprocessor controls roller tube rotational speed using a pulse width modulated signal. The system may be used to control first and second roller shades having roller tubes of differing diameters or shade fabrics of varying thicknesses.

Abstract: A system for raising and lowering a sectional overhead door between an open position and a closed position including, a counterbalance system adapted to be connected to the door, an operator motor assembly mounted proximate to the sectional overhead door in the closed position of the sectional overhead door, at least a portion of the operator motor assembly movable between a door operating position and a door locking position, and a locking assembly (370) having an engaged position to hold the motor assembly in the operating position and a disengaged position to release the motor assembly allowing it to move to the door locking position. The system may be provided with a remote light assembly having a switchable light source in sensing communication with the operator motor such that operation of the motor activates the light source.

Abstract: A hydraulic door opening mechanism for overhead bi-fold doors is herein disclosed. The door opening mechanism mounts a hydraulic pump, pressure reservoir, valve manifold, and a hydraulic motor or cylinder on a first door panel. The door opening mechanism is pre-assembled with the doorframe prior to mounting the door in the door opening.

Abstract: A shaft operator assembly for moving a door assembly which includes a movable door leaf and a door shaft attached to the door leaf for common movement together. A shaft connecting unit includes a shaft connecting element and a connecting plate element and connects a driven member of the shaft operator assembly with minimal space requirements to the door shaft. The connecting plate element, which can be secured to or integrally configured with the driven member, is relatively thin to permit the jack shaft operator and connecting plate element to be shifted into a fitted position even where little space is available. The shaft connecting element is mountable non-rotatably on the door shaft and includes an axial opening extending through the shaft connecting element for receiving the door shaft.

Abstract: A garage door power module is provided with the capability of operating over a number of different operating frequencies by configuring a power module chassis with a receptacle for receiving radio receivers where each of the receivers is adapted to receive one of the frequencies. The receptacle located near one edge of the chassis and is configured with a planar surface and support members that permit the receivers to be slidably inserted and removed from the receptacle. In addition the radio receiver is equipped with a plug connector and the receptacle is equipped with a socket for receiving the plug connector in order to transmit radio control signals from the receiver to logic control circuits in the power module.