Abstract: A motorized shade control system is described in which electrostatic charges, generated by a shade fabric being reeled on to and off of a roller are conducted to and grounded by the shaft of a remote drive motor. The drive motor is ultraquiet, and includes a worm gear drive and single-stage reduction gear assembly which delivers about 0.010 to 0.005 horsepower, with motor output shaft rotational velocity limited to no more than about 30RPM. The motor is mounted within a two-part housing and is clamped between elastomeric acoustic dampers connected between pedestals extending from opposite interior wall surfaces to opposite sides of the motor. An H-bridge drive circuit powers the motor under the control of a microprocessor which can be addressed by an infrared remote transmitter or by a wall mount control. Soft start and soft stop circuits are employed to further reduce noise.

Abstract: At least three stacked panels are articulated by means of adjacent members so that they can pivot toward a deployed configuration. A mechanism includes an immobilizer mounted on a first member, cooperating with a second member to lock the two panels in the deployed configuration and constrained to rotate with a lug which can rotate on the first member and is abutted against a surface of a member constrained to rotate with the second member and configured so that, when the deployed configuration is reached, the lug escapes from it and brings the immobilizer into contact with the second member to bring about locking. A first finger of the mechanism, which is constrained to rotate with the lug, cooperates with a second finger of the third panel to hold it stacked until the two panels reach the deployed configuration, at which time rotation of the lug releases the second finger.

Abstract: A laterally symmetrical bi-folding door assembly permits manual operation in the event of a power failure, without requiring readjustment or realignment of any of the door components for operation when power is restored. Each (left and right) door assembly comprises a pair of rigid panels, with the panels hingedly attached to the jamb edge of the door opening having a width substantially half that of the main panels. The two main panels are pivotally secured to upper drive mechanisms along their vertical centerlines, and abut one another along the doorway vertical centerline when the door assembly is closed. When they door assembly is opened, the inwardly disposed edges of the jamb panels and attached outward lateral edges of the main panels, move inwardly. The central edges of the two central panels thus swing outwardly relative to the building structure, due to their vertical centerline attachment to the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A door driving-mechanism torque transmission (20, 40, or 50) for transmitting torque from a door-driving motor assembly, especially a geared motor (36), to a shaft (33) connected to a door panel (31). A driving component rotates around an axis and can be engaged with the door-driving motor assembly. A driven component rotates around another axis and can be engaged with the shaft. A bearing assembly accommodates both components mounted on separated axes of rotation. There is a coupling connection (2) between both components.

Abstract: A power-driven shutter door includes a curtain supported in a pair of tracks for bi-directional sliding movement open and closed positions, and a power drive assembly for driving movement of the curtain. The power drive assembly includes a pair of sprockets that engage shoes of the curtain, a motor for driving bi-directional rotation of the sprockets, and a control circuit including a switch movable between “open” and “close” positions for supplying power to the motor to move the shutter curtain between positions. A power-driven lock is also provided, and includes a rod supported on the curtain for movement between extended and retracted positions, a manually-operated actuator for shifting the rod between the extended and retracted positions, and a power-driven lock supported on one of the tracks and presenting a locking arm shiftable between an extended position in which the arm protrudes into the track and a relatively retracted position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive spindle, in particular to drive garage doors, having recesses or projections disposed on the circumferential surface which can be connected to corresponding projections or recesses of a guide element for the purpose of the axial movement. In accordance with the invention, the drive spindle consists of at least two components which can be detachably connected to one another.

Abstract: A sports equipment assembly is disclosed. The assembly comprises a garage door, various types of sports equipment, and means for mounting the sports equipment to the door.

Abstract: An operating system for controllably moving in upward and downward directions a sectional door (D) in relation to a door frame (12) having a pair of jambs (13, 14) and an interconnecting header (15), including a counterbalancing system (30) having a drive tube (31) interconnected with the sectional door proximate the ends thereof, a resonible motorized operator (10) mounted adjacent to the drive tube and between the ends of the sectional door, and a drive train (70) interconnecting the drive tube and the motorized operator for selectively driving the sectional door in upward and downward directions.

Abstract: A security bar assembly has a plurality of bars that extend across an opening and have ends joined to drive chains. The bars may extend between two channels positioned on opposite faces of the opening, and may be slidable within the channels. The ends of the bars may be retained in the channels and the ends may have connections to chain links in opposing drive chains which are spaced apart a predetermined number of links to keep the bars a predetermined distance apart. A drive mechanism may be provided for moving the drive chains to slide the bars in the channels and a storage area adjacent the opening associated with the channels to retain the bars when they are not in place over the opening. Transfer mechanisms are provided for moving the security bars between a stored position and a position in which the bars engage the bar drive chain.

Abstract: A remote controllable dead bolt type of locking apparatus is to be retrofittedly mounted in conjunction with a conventional garage door which is to function to securely lock the garage door preventing unauthorized entry through the garage door. The locking apparatus uses an elongated draw bar assembly that connects between the right side door jamb and the left side door jamb which defines the transverse sides of the opening within which is mounted the garage door. The draw bar assembly is to be linearly moved by a draw bar drive which is to be electrically activated when operating of a hand held remote that operates the conventional garage door opening mechanism.

Abstract: A security seal for a collar used for tensioning springs in garage door assemblies. A collar typically includes at least one set screw projecting outwardly and at least two winding holes. The security seal of the invention includes a generally longitudinal piece of flexible material having two opposite ends, the opposite ends being provided with a locking system for locking the opposite ends together in a permanent fashion. The seal also has at least one hollow cup adapted to receive the at least one set screw and at least two solid cups, each of the cups being adapted to fit with a corresponding winding hole. The hollow cup and the at least two solid cups are disposed on the security seal so that when the seal is locked above the collar, the hollow cup and the solid cups are in registration with the at least one set screw and the at least two winding holes respectively.

Abstract: A drive and control system for controlling the movement of a pool cover comprised of interconnected rigid buoyant slats. The system relies upon a hydraulic drive section including a hydraulic motor drive which may be initially provided with fluid under pressure by a remote electric drive section. The hydraulic drive section is also provided with an effective means of controlling movement of the pool cover, both in a winding direction on a cover drum, which may be submerged, and/or in an unwinding direction where the pool cover is being unwound from the drum. Various mechanisms to control the movement of the cover are described herein.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides an endless loop lock including a drive wheel adapted to be driven or not driven. An endless loop may be provided, engaging the drive wheel and adapted to be driven by the drive wheel to move a device, such as a security bar, connected to the endless loop. A guide may be provided, biased against the endless loop at a position spaced apart from the drive wheel. A lock may be provided, for engaging the endless loop to inhibit movement of the endless loop, the guide being positioned to bias the endless loop out of engagement with the lock when the endless loop is driven by the drive wheel. The lock may be actuated by a force applied to the device connected to the endless loop when the drive wheel is not driven.

Abstract: Improved operating devices for reversible blinds, in such a way that the movement of the latter is caused when the projections (8) of the slats (101) mesh into the two driving pinions (60) and (62), which move simultaneously thanks to two couples of transmission pinions (59) and (61) and intermediate wheels (63) and (64), reverting the hand operating device on the first transmission pinion (59) through a bevel wheel (58) moved by a bevel pinion (57), which is operated by means of a handle (52) through four separating pinions (56), while the motorized operating device reverts on the first transmission pinion (59) through a two stage reducing device of the planetary type and a motorization gear (78); having the slat hook (104) been modified to adapt to the inward cranked flange (107) which, in turn, occupies more than half of the width of the slat (101).

Abstract: A dual closure system for overhead doors in a structure having a floor, a vertical wall, a ceiling structure, and a rectangular door opening in the wall which extends from the floor upwardly in a direction towards the ceiling has a pair of spaced tracks with a vertical segment extending upwardly from the floor adjacent vertical sides of the door opening, and terminating through curved track segments into a pair of vertically horizontal upper and lower track portions. The curved track segments both have lower ends arcuately merging into alignment with an upper end of the vertical segments of tracks. The upper ends of the curved track segments terminate in vertically spaced horizontal track portions. First and second foldable doors which have sets of rollers on their side edges are movably mounted one each in the horizontal portions of the track so that each door can be individually moved into a vertical position in the vertical segment of the tracks.

Abstract: An emergency opening device for a swinging folding door or a swinging folding gate, using an electric motor drive with a switchable electromagnetic coupling for closing and opening the door panels. The door has an emergency opening device, whereby the emergency opening device consists of an elastic tension or compression device to which a pre-load can be applied during the closing of the door. The tension or compression device can be engaged in the drive shaft of the outer panel or in the vicinity of the main closing edge of the inner panel.

Abstract: A garage door opener security system, for preventing the unauthorized opening of a garage door, mounted within a dwelling. The garage door opener has a track mounted to the dwelling, and a truck slidably mounted on the track which is operatively engaged with the door. A release lever extends downward from the truck to allow manual release and opening of the garage door. The security system prevents unauthorized operation of the release lever by providing a pair of security plates which extend downward from the truck on either side of the release lever. The security plates thereby prevent an unauthorized person from extending an object into the garage from outside in an attempt at operating the release lever.

Abstract: A drive for a tracked door which utilises a drive pinion which engages a tracked rack that in turn moves the door as it is moved track-wise under the action of the pinion. A flexible rack able to travel on a curved locus is preferred.

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.

Abstract: A bi-fold door is equipped with door lifting devices operated with an electric motor drive to selectively open and close the door. The door lifting devices have winches operable to wind and unwind elongated webs connected at one end to rotatable members of the winches and anchored at the opposite end to the door. Anchors mounted on the door have adjustable sleeves operable to adjust the working lengths of the webs.

Abstract: An automatic overhead door opening system for a transport container whereby to operate the displacement of a panel door from a closed position to an open position. The system is housed in a restrained size housing which incorporates a motorized drive for driving an endless chain associated with an elongated central guide track on which the door is guidingly attached. The motorized drive is comprised of two small d.c. motors each having a drive gear drivingly coupled to a common driven gear of a gear drive which includes a worm gear in meshing engagement with a driven sprocket connected to a drive sprocket to displace the endless chain. The housing is of reduced thickness and access to the interior of the housing is provided through a non-obstructed removable bottom wall plate and accordingly it is not necessary to disconnect the endless chain and drive sprocket to have access to the components of the system.

Abstract: Motor-driven reversible shutter of the type composed of a plurality of slats coupled to one another by means of an end hook and channel and which moves along a channel of a labyrinthine trajectory formed on the inner face of respective side plates mounted in correspondence with the ends of the shutter box, each slat end including a part with lateral spaced-apart appendices for the purpose of inserting therebetween the teeth of pinions mounted in specific points along the labyrinthine trajectory channel and designed to draw the slats which, on moving along said labyrinthine trajectory reveal one face while moving in one direction and the opposite while moving in the other direction, thus providing the shutter with its reversible character.

Abstract: A rigid-panel overhead door which is selectively moved up and down to open and close an opening and which is guided generally along door guides on opposed vertical sides of the opening is disclosed. The door includes a first chain disposed along one of the door guides and a second chain disposed along an opposed door guide. The door further includes a plurality of panels, each having a first end and a second end, the panels being of sufficient length to extend substantially across the opening but sufficiently limited in length so as to fit between the first and second chains and not extend beyond them. The door further includes a plurality of connectors for joining the first and second chains respectively to the first and second ends of each of the panels.

Abstract: A motor drive for a rolling steel door which includes a motor and a speed reducer driven by the motor to take up/let off the rolling steel door. A brake disk is rotated with the motor shaft of the motor, a sprocket wheel is moved along an axle and forced by a spring into engagement with the brake disk to stop the motor shaft of the motor from rotation. An electromagnet is securely mounted on the axle and magnetized to attract the sprocket wheel for enabling the motor shaft of the motor to rotate freely upon starting of the motor. A lever operated by hand disengages the sprocket wheel from the brake disk. A control box is coupled to the power output shaft of the speed reducer to control the operation of the motor, wherein when the control box is controlled to start the motor, the electromagnet is magnetized to attract the sprocket wheel from the brake disk and enables the motor shaft of the motor to be freely rotated.

Abstract: A power-driven shutter door includes a curtain supported in a pair of tracks for bi-directional sliding movement open and closed positions, and a power drive assembly for driving movement of the curtain. The power drive assembly includes a pair of sprockets that engage shoes of the curtain, a motor for driving bi-directional rotation of the sprockets, and a control circuit including a switch movable between "open" and "close" positions for supplying power to the motor to move the shutter curtain between positions. A power-driven lock is also provided, and includes a rod supported on the curtain for movement between extended and retracted positions, a manually-operated actuator for shifting the rod between the extended and retracted positions, and a power-driven lock supported on one of the tracks and presenting a locking arm shiftable between an extended position in which the arm protrudes into the track and a relatively retracted position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a side wall for the body 1, 2, 3 of a vehicle, having at its upper longitudinal edge an upper wall portion 4 pivotably connected to the vehicle body 1, 2, 3 via a first horizontal pivot pin 6, and a lower wall portion 5 which at its upper longitudinal edge is hingeably disposed on the lower longitudinal edge of the upper wall portion 4, while engaging with at least one of the two lateral edges of the upper wall portion 4 is a lifting arm 8 which is articulated via its other end to the upper transverse frame portion 2 of the vehicle body via a third, driven pivot pin 9 parallel with the first pivot pin 6 and the second pivot pin 7.

Abstract: A window for use in buildings or other enclosed areas is structured to open horizontally relative to the building or window casement and comprises a screen-like enclosure between the window casement and the window frame which limits the amount of moisture or dust that can enter through the window when in an open position. Further, the window is particularly structured to provide light, ventilation and an unobstructed view while providing a high degree of security to prevent breakage or burglary.

Abstract: An apparatus that detects the occurrence of slack in a cable and that compensates for detected slack is disclosed. The apparatus includes body parts that are movable relative to each other between fully extended and fully retracted positions. A bias device biases the body parts toward the fully retracted position. However, normal tension conditions in the monitored cable overcome the bias and extend the body parts to their fully extended relation. If the cable becomes slack, the body parts retract to take up the slack. If the cable slack is to such an extent that the body parts move to a predetermined relative position, the apparatus generates a signal warning of extreme slack conditions. The present invention also is a cable slack control apparatus for a door operator, with such control apparatus including a cable slack detection and compensation device and a door motor drive control device.

Abstract: A security bar assembly has a plurality of bars that extend across an opening and have ends joined to drive chains to provide an easily removable assembly. The bars extend between two channels positioned on opposite faces of the opening, and are slidable within the channels. The ends of the bars are retained in the channels and the ends have connections to chain links in opposing drive chains which are spaced apart a predetermined number of links to keep the bars a predetermined distance apart. A drive mechanism is provided for moving the drive chains to slide the bars in the channels and a storage area adjacent the opening associated with the channels to retain the bars when they are not in place over the opening.

Abstract: The invention takes as its departure point a housing (10) for receiving electric drives (16, 18, 20), in particular garage-door drives, and/or the controls (24, 26) thereof, which housing exhibits at least two housing parts (12, 14). Provision is made on the housing parts for a latching device (34, 52, 68, 110) and guide elements (108, 112) for the reliable connection of the housing parts (12, 14) and for latching-in and retaining functional components (22, 28, 78) and/or circuit boards (24, 26) for the controls. Consequently, a structure with few individual parts and simple mounting and demounting is achieved.

Abstract: An operating system for controllably moving in upward and downward directions a sectional door (D) in relation to a door frame (12) having a pair of jambs (13, 14) and an interconnecting header (15), including a counterbalancing system (30) having a drive tube (31) interconnected with the sectional door proximate the ends thereof, a motorized operator (10) mounted adjacent to the drive tube and between the ends of the sectional door, and a drive train (70) interconnecting the drive tube and the motorized operator for selectively driving the sectional door in upward and downward directions.

Abstract: A system for automatic operation of venetian blinds and similar window coverings. A preferred embodiment, system 30, can be retrofitted to any conventional venetian blind without tools, removal of the blind, or installation of wiring (FIG. 10A). System 30 is attached to a blind 15 by a bracket 80, which engages a headrail 16 of blind 15, and is secured by a thumbscrew 84 (FIG. 4C). System 30 includes a gearmotor 85 which drives a coupling tube 91; coupling tube 91 is attached to a tilt-adjustment shaft 18 of blind 15 (FIG. 3A). The mechanical coupling between gearmotor 85 and coupling tube 91 includes a flexible coupling and an extensible coupling, which enable gearmotor 85 to rotate shaft 18 over a wide range of sizes and configurations of blind 15 (FIGS. 5A and 5B). System 30 also includes a photovoltaic source 31 mounted on a flexible member 99. Member 99 provides electrical connections to source 31, and supports it in an advantageous position to receive solar radiation (FIGS.

Abstract: A movable barrier or garage door operator has a control head controlling an electric motor connected to a movable barrier or garage door to open and close it. The control head has an RF receiver for receiving RF signals from a hand-held transmitter or a fixed keypad transmitter. The receiver operates the electric motor upon matching a received code with a stored code. The stored codes may be updated or loaded either by enabling the learn mode of the receiver from the fixed keypad transmitter or from a wired control unit positioned within the garage.

Abstract: Drive mechanism for a drive carrier (17) which is drivable for back and fh movement along a guide rail (10), which is connectable to a correspondingly drivable object, having a drive system (1) with a reducing gear (3) and output head (4) and having a drive web (11) driven by same and connectable to the drive carrier which is looped over a turn-around device intended to be located at the end of guide rail (10) facing away from drive system (1), which drive mechanism is so constructed for the purpose of space-saving storage and/or transportation and also orderly final assembly after connection of the guide rails without the risk of a faulty drive web run, in such manner that the drive system (1) or its output head (4) has a storage section (8) in which the drive web (11), looped over the output head and dimensioned for the total guide rail length, shortened in its lengthwise direction by wavelike folds (13,14) is contained in a small space, together with the turn-around device (12), to which storage section (8

Abstract: A clothes washer includes a lid formed by a first member hinged to a housing of the clothes washer, and a second member hinged to the first member. The first and second members are folded together when the lid is opened, and are unfolded when the lid is closed. A motor-driven lid opening/closing mechanism is provided for opening and closing the lid. That mechanism includes a motor-driven rotary cam member mounted on the housing, and a following member fixed to the first member of the lid. During rotation in one direction, the cam member engages the following member to open the lid, and during rotation in the opposite direction, the cam member engages the following member to close the lid. When the lid is in the closed and open states, the cam member is disengaged from the following member to enable the lid to be manually opened and closed.

Abstract: Water shield panels which are used in a car wash. The panels prevent water from dripping onto a header over the exit of a car wash. The exit is covered by a door which is made of plastic strips. The water shield panels capture the water during the wash. After the wash and before the car exits the car wash, the panels and the door are opened to avoid dripping water or soap onto the exiting car and to allow it to exit. The panels and the door are folded open by a motor and push/pull rods. The plastic strips making up the door are covered with carpet at their lower ends to prevent their scratching of a car when it exits when the motor is not functioning.

Abstract: An automatic opener for a sectional door includes a drive unit mounted adjacent to a door drive shaft and having a reversible motor, a gear linkage for translating rotation of the motor drive shaft into rotation of the sectional door drive shaft, and a clutch which permits the gear linkage to be manually temporarily disengaged from the motor drive shaft. The drive unit is supported within a housing that is connected to an adjustable wall bracket mounting base which itself is fixed to a wall adjacent to the sectional door. A spring-biased lever attached near a lower end of the sectional door pivots in response to slack in a door cable to automatically lock the door when it is completely shut. The locking mechanism automatically unlocks the door either when the drive unit is actuated to open the sectional door or when the clutch is utilized to disengage the gear linkage from the motor drive shaft.

Abstract: A shutter including a casing, two chain transmission mechanisms bilaterally and vertically mounted inside said casing, two linkages suspended from the top rail of the casing on the inside, a set of louvers pivotably connected between the linkages, a power drive controlled to turn the chain transmission mechanisms, and two hook members fastened to the chain transmission mechanisms and moved to carry the linkages and the louvers between the active position and the inactive position, louvers being carried turned between the horizontal position and the vertical position when the linkages are moved to the active position and the chain transmission mechanisms are continuously turned to a certain extent.

Abstract: A garage door operator which senses obstructions and takes corrective action before entrapment can occur. Yieldable gears are utilized as a failsafe mechanism such that when the applied torque exceeds certain limit, the gears disengage so that the garage door can be manually moved. The yieldable gears may also be disengaged by remote control or by hand. Solid state circuitry is provided to achieve soft starts and stops of the electric motor. Test circuitry is provided that tests the operational readiness of the electrical components by simulating an abnormal torque condition. During operation of the electric motor, the torque load is electronically calculated and if an abnormal torque load is encountered, the electric motor reverses direction.

Abstract: A washing machine has a door mounted for rotation between open and closed positions. An electrical solenoid is connected to the door by means of a wire so that when the wire is pulled by the solenoid, the door is opened from a closed position, or closed from an open position. A torsion spring is connected to the door for storing energy while the door is being opened or closed, and then releasing the stored energy to maintain the door in the open or closed position. The wire is flexible to enable the door to be manually opened without actuating the solenoid.

Abstract: A reversing mechanism for an overhead door opener is described. The reversing mechanism includes a channel-form trolley track. A centrally positioned longitudinal slot extends for the length of a bottom of the trolley track. Side openings are provided at a first end and the second end of the trolley track. A trolley plate is positioned in the trolley track with a control arm edge extending through the slot. A chain/cable return guide having an axial chain/cable receiving passage is secured to one of the opposed faces of the trolley plate. Channel engaging guide blocks project from opposed faces of the trolley plate to engage a top and the bottom of the trolley track thereby preventing the trolley plate from being withdrawn through the slot. A chain/cable is extended through the axial chain/cable receiving passage of the chain/cable return guide, looped into the trolley track from the first end and the second end and secured to the trolley plate.

Abstract: The present invention is provided with a mechanism for controlling the opening and closing of a door comprising a speed reduction means for reducing a rotational speed. A high speed shaft is connected to the speed reduction means and is connectable to a means for rotating the input shaft, and a low speed output shaft is connected to the speed reduction means. A governor is mounted on the input shaft for limiting the rotational speed thereof, to also regulate the rotational speed of the output shaft. A brake is provided for preventing rotation of the output shaft, and a self-closing mechanism is operatively connected to the door. The self-closing mechanism is adapted for storing energy when the door is opened to an open position, and a connecting means operatively connects the output shaft to the self-closing mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor-driven roller blind comprising, on the one hand, an apron rolling up onto and unrolling from a winding shaft inside which is accommodated a tubular-type driving gear-motor and, on the other hand, means providing an electrical signal representative of the movement of the apron and an electrical-signal processing unit capable of acting on the running of the driving gear-motor, viz. to control the stopping of same in the event an obstacle is present. As a matter of fact, said means providing an electrical signal representative of the movement of the apron are comprised of at least one inductive sensor extending at least partly along the path followed by the apron, this inductive sensor being capable of creating an electromotive force under the action of the passing of a permanent magnet associated with the lower portion of the apron, which electromotive force is detected by the processing unit.

Abstract: A door opener provides for remotely opening and closing both a multi-panel closure and an overhead door used on the same doorway. The apparatus is expected to be most widely used with garage doors that have external screened closures installed outside them. An auxiliary opener, which can be configured to operate with either a chain-type overhead door opener or a screw-type opener, takes its power from a primary door opener and operates the screen closure in synchronism with the overhead door. The opening system can be used with a single doorway, or with a set of multiple doorways that share a common screen closure. The various versions of the apparatus are configured to continue to allow manual operation of slidable screen panels, and to permit the screen closure to be either open or closed when the main overhead garage door is open.

Abstract: A garage door-opener security system which automatically positively blocks any unauthorized opening of a sectional garage door that travels, guided by rollers, in a pair of flanking metal guide tracks. The security system is interconnected with a standard, automatic, garage door-opening mechanism that includes an electric drive motor. When the door reaches its fully closed position, a locking device, mounted adjacent one of the flanking tracks, physically inserts a locking pin into the trackway in which the rollers move, which pin is located a few inches above the roller next below. The locking pin is closely confined by a surrounding aperture which prevents its upward deflection or twisting, thus making it impossible for the roller to move therepast in the trackway and positively preventing the raising of the door more than a few inches.

Abstract: An anti-float system for operable partitions in a movable wall system. The anti-float system includes first and second camming assemblies, each including a trolley camming surface, cooperatively positioned along the operable partition track. Preferably both of the trolley camming surfaces are spring biased to camming positions where they define a passageway through which a portion of the trolley passes when the trolley moves along the track. The passageway is narrower than the width of the trolley portion. When the trolley portion enters the passageway while traveling in the wall extending direction, the trolley portion engages the trolley camming surfaces and forces the surfaces outward from their camming positions against a resistance provided by the biasing springs in order for the trolley to pass. The camming assemblies are also movable from a camming alignment to a retracted alignment when the trolley portion travels in the wall stacking direction through the passageway.

Abstract: A collapsible shelter of the type having an awning and collapsible frame, the frame having either adjustable or fixed end caps at its corners bearing against reinforcing strips, and a center post unit forming a part of the frame is both spring-loaded and can be adjustably tensioned to regulate the tautness of the awning.

Abstract: A glare screen device for automobiles including a housing attachable above the windshield frame, with a tinted plastic glare screen panel power drivable is in and out of the housing to be selectively extended in front of the windshield. The drive includes sprocket mechanisms engaging sprocket openings along either side of the glare screen panel. The housing is either generally flat with downwardly curved end out of which the glare screen panel projects, or generally rounded having a downwardly curved projecting portion out of which the glare screen panel is extended. The sprocket mechanisms each include an endless belt having sprocket pins distributed along the outside, a reversible electric motor driving gearing to recirculate the endless belts.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for operating a segmented sliding overhead door. The door is of the type for sliding in a pair of side tracks mounted at either side of the door between a dosed vertical position and an open horizontal position. A driver is mounted at the side-to-side center of the door and extends away from an interior side of the door. The driver includes a screw drive shaft adapted to be mounted horizontally above the door. A motor is engaged with the drive shaft and provides reversible rotational drive force to the drive shaft. A drive shaft coupling unit engages the drive shaft for moving along the drive shaft in response to rotation of the drive shaft. A track assembly engages and supports the rotating drive shaft and guides the coupling unit in linear travel along the drive shaft. A door connecting rod assembly serves to rigidly jam the door against the floor when the door is in the fully closed position, and connects the carrier unit to the door for moving the door along the side tracks.

Abstract: A barrier gate for preventing access to a restricted area which is designed to be lightweight and yet sufficiently resilient to return to its original shape after being impacted by heavy equipment. The barrier gate outer frame includes a plurality of flexible plastic tubular frame members which are joined together by frame joint couplers, including one at each corner of the frame. One or more inner flexible plastic tubular frame members extend across the outer frame and are joined thereto by frame joint couplers. A flexible plastic web material is supported in each field between the outer and inner frame members. In a preferred embodiment, all of the outer and inner frame members, and all of the frame joint couplers are formed of PVC plastic.