Abstract: A rolling door drive and mounting assembly including: a chassis; a final drive unit mounted to the chassis for rotation about an axis of rotation for driven connection to a door for rolling the door about a door mounting axle; a motor and drive, together attached to the chassis for synchronous pivotal movement, the drive interconnecting the motor and final drive unit; and a remotely operated actuator to move the drive into a first position engaging the final drive unit and to move the drive into a second position disengaged with the final drive unit.

Abstract: An elongated reelable shade, first and second spaced support brackets removably connected to first and second and opposite ends of said elongated reelable shade for supporting said reelable shade from a fixed support, an electrical drive motor having an output shaft for rotating said elongated reelable shade around its axis to selectively reel and unreel said shade, an electrical circuit for energizing and operating said motor, the electrical circuit including a controller coupled to and controlling the operation of said drive motor, and a coupler for removably coupling said output shaft of said motor to said first end of said elongated reelable shade, a single housing having said first bracket fixed thereto, said single housing containing and supporting said motor, said electrical circuit and said coupler, said coupler comprising an output driver which removably receives said first end of said shade with rotatable driving relationship.

Abstract: A flood gate structure incorporating a safety device thereon to prevent harm through crushing or trapping of animals, such as manatees by the flood gate when passing into its closed position. An object sensor, along with an override sensor assembly, are provided and coupled to the flood gate and are positioned to open or close a circuit associated with the object and override sensor assemblies thereby regulating current flow to a drive motor which is drivingly attached to the flood gate and, upon activation thereof, serves to move the flood gate between its open and closed position.

Abstract: An elongated reelable shade, first and second spaced support brackets removably connected to first and second and opposite ends of the elongated reelable shade for supporting the reelable shade from a fixed support, an electrical drive motor having an output shaft for rotating the elongated reelable shade around its axis to selectively reel and unreel the shade, an electrical circuit for energizing and operating the motor, the electrical circuit including a controller coupled to and controlling the operation of the drive motor, a single shade limit switch for stopping the motor when the shade reaches a fully reeled or fully extended position, and a coupler for removably coupling the output shaft of the motor to the first end of the elongated reelable shade, a single housing having the first bracket fixed thereto, the single housing containing and supporting the motor, the electrical circuit and the coupler, the coupler comprising an output driver which removably receives the first end of the shade with rotata

Abstract: A rapid access door system is provided wherein authorized individuals may pass through the door system and wherein unauthorized individuals are blocked from entering a secured area past the doors and are automatically rerouted to an unsecured area for further processing without blocking the door system and impeding the flow of other individuals entering the door system. The door system uses modular units employing sensing means and a specially configured door which door automatically provides the rerouting of persons in the system. The sensing means determines, among others, the number of persons in the system, whether the door is opened or closed, whether a person has exited the system to particular areas, alerting speakers and signage, with the above information being used in conjunction with the door system to provide a highly efficient and effective rapid access portal system.

Abstract: A fire curtain has its top fixed to a top framework of a building, the frwork including arrangements for spraying a fluid onto the curtain having two walls fastened together along its bottom and its vertical sides. The fluid spraying arrangements spray at least one interior face of one wall with the fluid.

Abstract: A damper door system that includes an opening in a planar wall, a retractable damper door and a track extending through said opening. The damper door includes slots that are conformable to the track when the door is in a closed position. In addition, the slots in the damper door include an intumescent material for sealing the door shut in the event of a fire.

Abstract: A mechanism for detecting an obstacle preventing the proper operation of a sectional shutter of a warehouse-type door which includes a detection member mounted in the vicinity of a horizontal shaft around which the sectional shutter is wound by the operation of a motor. The detection mechanism is connected to a switch for controlling the motor and thus the rotation of the horizontal shaft about which the sectional shutter is wound. The detection member consists of at least one member which extends adjacent to but spaced from the horizontal shaft and which is engageable by a slack portion of the sectional shutter caused by the engagement of an obstacle with the sectional shutter as it is being lowered.

Abstract: A fire door system comprising first and second fire door assemblies each assembly including a fire door, a temperature sensing device and an operator. The operators of each of the assemblies are electrically interconnected such that when the fire doors simultaneously close when either (a) the temperature sensing device senses that the ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined value or (b) the circuit between the operators of the assemblies is deactivated.

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: A motor-operated panel system includes a panel assembly consisting of an elongated flexible web formed of a plurality of different panels connected end-to-end for controlling the transmission of light, heat or air through a window and/or for producing different decorative scenes within a room. The panel assembly is wound on substantially identical elongated and spacedly arranged hollow rollers including an upper roller which contains a reversible motor, gear train, magnetic brake and a position sensor totally within the interior of the upper hollow roller. The position sensor serves to sense the absolute rotational position of the upper roller. The lower roller contains a torsional spring which is prewound to exert a pulling torque on the panel assembly, which torque is normally resisted by the magnetic brake in the upper roller. The panel system is controlled remotely from a panel control which may be wall mounted, communicating with the panel system via a data bus.

Abstract: The spreading of a fire outside of an aircraft body into the cabin through the windows is retarded by a fire retardant slide member that is movable into a window covering position guided by guide rails or the like. Both, the sliding member and the guide rails are made of fire retarding material such as thermosetting material, preferably glass fiber reinforced thermosetting materials. A thermoplastic locking element that holds the sliding cover member in a recessed position releases the cover member when the locking element melts at elevated temperatures to cover the window automatically, e.g. with the aid of gravity or with the aid of one or more biasing springs.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided to engage a resettable link in a curtain-type fire damper and release and reset that link so that the blades of the damper can unfold. The mechanism is actuated remotely and mechanically without the need for an access door.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for positioning a drape covering for a window comprise an electric stepper motor and an automated control for actuating the electric stepper motor to move the drape to any selected position at any selected time and in any selected sequence of drape movements.

Abstract: A fire door closure reset system including a fire door movable between an opened position and a closed position relative to an opening through a wall; a lock for being pivotally attached relative to the wall for movement between a locked position and an unlocked position and for allowing the fire door to move to the closed position when in the unlocked position; a spring for urging the lock to the unlocked position; a cable having a first end for being attached to the lock and having a second end for being fixedly attached relative to the wall; the lock being held in the locked position when the cable is taut; the spring urging the lock to the unlocked position when slack is placed in the cable; occurrence responsive structure for placing slack in the cable in the event of a predetermined occurrence; and a test-reset mechanism for allowing the operation of the fire door closure reset system to be tested by placing slack in the cable and for allowing the slack in the cable to be subsequently removed after the

Abstract: Electrically operated folding operable walls are provided that are controlled by an electrical operation circuit of the type having a key switch, a control panel, an extend limit switch, a stack limit switch, control relays and a motor. The invention consists of a mechanism for creating an infrared barrier curtain on opposite sides of an operating path of the folding operable walls. Another mechanism is for shutting down the electrical operation circuit of the folding operable walls when a physical obstruction enters into the operating path of the folding operable walls and interrupts the infrared barrier curtain. Still another mechanism is for restarting up the electrical operation circuit of the folding operable walls after the physical obstruction is removed from the operating path of the folding operable walls.

Abstract: A safety stopping device particularly adapted for use with an electric steel rolling door is disclosed which comprises a transmitter mounted on a base plate of the rolling door and a receiver mounted on and directly connected to the electric motor used for driving the rolling door. In addition, various transmit switches are mounted on the underside of the aforementioned base plate to indicate to the transmitter when an obstruction is encountered. Upon occurring an obstruction, a signal is transmitted to the receiver whereupon the flow of current to the electric motor is interrupted to cause the electric rolling steel door to automatically stop.

Abstract: It is proposed that the utilization period of the awning be increased in connection with automatic or manual manual control means in that the awning is preferably incrementally retracted as a function of the magnitude of the wind velocity, as determined through measurement, with the wind velocity being determined in corresponding graduations, and, as a function thereof, in that the control unit for the awning drive motor moves the awning to intermediate awning positions which have priority over all other control influences. In addition to the limit switches, which are present anyway and which indicate the "fully retracted" or "fully extended" positions, a plurality of intermediate sensors, corresponding to the number of desired increments, are disposed to determine the intermediate positions, with the signals output by the intermediate sensors, which indicate the actual position of the awning being compared with wind-velocity-determined awning setpoint position signals.

Abstract: A fire damper comprising a plurality of interconnected blades is provided with a pair of primary negator type springs which are attached to the leading blade and a pair of auxiliary negator type springs which are attached to an intermediate blade. The blades are normally maintained in a folded condition with the springs exerting a biasing force urging movement of the blades to an extended closed position. Upon release of the blades in response to detection of fire or smoke conditions, the springs cooperate to move the blade assembly to the completely closed position. The auxiliary springs increase the rate of closing of the assembly and facilitate unfolding of a portion of the blade assembly to enhance the closing of the assembly even under high air flow conditions.

Abstract: A tensioned fire damper assembly and method are disclosed. The assembly includes a damper tensioning frame for tensionably mounting a fire damper within a duct or other mounting aperture, thereby allowing substantially unrestricted thermal damper expansion into an expansion gap located between the aperture and the tensioning frame. Screw type tensioning fasteners can be employed to tensionably mount the frame, and the degree of frame tension can be regulated by using tensioning fastener bushings which limit the threadable movement of the fasteners. Additional embodiments are disclosed in which multiple dampers can be accommodated in a tensionable frame.

Abstract: A solar heating device which indicates the proper window covering status for maximum energy conservation. A support structure (18) rests on window sill (16) and suspends two thermistors (22 and 24). One thermistor (22) is supported on the room side of drapery (12) and the other thermistor (24) is supported between drapery (12) and a window (14). When the net heat flow is inward from outside the room, thermistor (24) near window (14) will be warmer than room side thermistor (22). When this occurs, the temperature dependent resistances of thermistors (22 and 24), voltage divider resistances (30 and 32), and a comparator (36) turn on a light emitting diode (28). This indicates that drapery (12) should be opened to let solar radiation in to heat the room. Otherwise, drapery (12) should be closed to conserve the existing heat in the room.

Abstract: Roller assemblies having a drum upon which a closure is wound and unwound and wherein a drive mechanism within the drum is meshed with a plurality of elongated ribs extending along the inner surface of the drum and wherein the limiting controls for the drive mechanism include a pair of travelling nuts which are also meshed with the ribs of the drum for mechanically actuating the limiting controls.

Abstract: A safety device, particularly intended to be used in roll-up doors to cause reversal of the door closing movements in case an obstacle obstructs the path of movement of the door. The device comprises at least a couple of photoelectric cells which are arranged at a certain distance from the closing edge of the door leaf in alignment with the door leaf on a support arm which is displaceable in the direction of closing of the door.

Abstract: A system for securing deployable elements, such as solar panels, on a structure, such as a spacecraft, with the aid of a through rod. A mechanism is provided for releasing the through rod from the elements at the moment of deployment thereof, then for returning the rod into its initial position with respect to the outer element.

Abstract: A metered shade which provides shelter/shade for a specified amount of time before the shade is removed. Through the use of a meter which is activated by either currency of a "credit card" arrangement, the shade is provided for a chosen length of time. The mechanism is activated so that shade is provided for an area such as an automobile parking space. A further enhancement of the invention deactivates the shading process when either the time has lapsed or the vehicle vacates the spot.

Abstract: A device for controlling access to a shaded parking area. In the invention, a parking space is provided with shade. Access to the shade is controlled by a meter in combination with a removable barrier. When the user gains access by insertion of a "credit card", the time of entry is noted together with the later time of exit. The elapsed time is used to compute the amount of charge to the user.

Abstract: A shutter control apparatus is disclosed for providing an auxiliary power source to drive a shutter motor. A double-pole, double-throw switch selectively connects an electric shutter motor to a primary electrical source of power or, when the primary source of power is interrupted, is switched to connect a self contained auxiliary power source to the shutter motor so as to permit extension and retraction of the shutter door.

Abstract: A device having a fire resistant curtain attached to a base plate and a deployable curtain which is activated in the event of a fire in order to protect books, paintings, art treasures, etc. from fire, water, smoke and heat damage. The base plate is positioned so that it is situated above the objects to be protected. The curtain is sized so that in its deployed state it surrounds the object and extends from the base plate to the floor of the building in which the object is located.

Abstract: A fire damper having a temperature-sensitive link assembly designed to permit ease of maintenance of the damper. In one embodiment, the link assembly includes a fusible link that extends across and holds the blades folded. At each end, the link is coupled to a bracket embracing the blades by a pivot pin and an associated latch that is manually releaseable. During maintenance of the damper, either latch can be released and the link will then swing down about the pivot pin at the opposite end of the link, permitting the damper blades to close. In normal use, the blades will also close in response to an over-temperature condition causing the fusible link to break. In an alternative embodiment, a plain non-fusible link is used and one of the latches is released by a temperature-sensitive actuator made of memory metal.

Abstract: The fireplace screen comprises a frame defining a central opening and including first and second pairs of vertical guide tracks along opposite lateral sides of the opening. A housing is mounted above the frame and a first flexible covering element is mounted for movement in the first pair of guide tracks. The first flexible covering element comprises a perforate mesh formed of heat resistant material. A second flexible covering element is mounted for movement in the second pair of guide tracks. The second covering element comprises an imperforate heat resistant material. A mechanism is mounted in the housing for individually raising and lowering the first and second covering elements in the guide tracks thereby covering and uncovering the central opening.

Abstract: A fire damper assembly, used in a heating, ventilating and air conditioning system, includes a sheet metal outer frame circumferentially surrounding a commercially available, rectangular fire damper. Angle iron retainers mounted interior of the outer frame and front and back of the fire damper retain the fire damper along the depth of the outer frame. The outer frame is intended to be sealed directly or in a sealed duct in a fire resistant wall opening or penetration provided for passage of air of the heating, ventilating and air conditioning system. The outer frame has a height and width sufficient to accommodate the height and width of the fire damper plus the required thermal expansion of the fire damper to insure its proper operation under the heat or increased temperature of a fire. The angle irons close the thermal expansion spaces to passage of air and fire.

Abstract: An automatically operated flexible barrier cover for the access openings of refrigerated display cabinets. The barrier cover limits the contact between the refrigerated air within the cabinet and the ambient air. The barrier cover can be moved over the access opening during non-customer use time periods when the retail food outlet is closed. The barrier cover can be arranged as a unitary assembly which can be manufactured and sold separately from the display cabinet as a retrofit device to effect energy savings. The flexible barrier cover can be stored in a reeled-up position or can be arranged as a folded flexible barrier which can be fanned out across the access opening. Various traction means are provided for moving the flexible barrier across the access opening.

Abstract: Security proof shutter structure applicable to windows, doors, store or garage fronts, utilizing slats constructed of steel or the like. A special S-shaped spring linkage means is secured to respective ends of the slats. The lower hook of each linkage means being engaged with the upper hook of the adjacent linkage means to provide a rotatively operative linkage between adjacent slats without fixed attachment.The hooked linkage is well adapted to independently install or remove any one slat on site and to independently control by sliding the closing of the louvre spacing between adjacent slats or moving apart from each other. The louvre spacing between adjacent slats can be progressively closed or opened. The full lowering takes place with opened louvre spacing and by continued lowering the progressive closing of the louvre spacing between adjacent slats will take place. The winding around the upper roller takes place with fully opened louvre spacing.

Abstract: A magnetic smoke and fire shield is disclosed for installation adjacent an air register associated with a building conduit to control the conduit opening. The apparatus includes a frame containing an opening, and a closure member connected with the frame for movement between open and closed positions relative to the frame opening. At least one of the closure members and frame is formed of ferromagnetic material, the other member having magnetic sealing means associated therewith. The closure member is retained in the open position by means including a fusible link set to melt at a predetermined temperature. The closure member may also be released manually. Upon the occurrence of a fire, the closure member is released to a closed, magnetically sealed position relative to the frame opening.

Abstract: A damper assembly is provided which comprises a duct having an opening and a blade movable between a closed position in covering relation to a portion of the opening and an open position. A fusible retainer holds the blade in its open position and releases the blade when the retainer is sufficiently heated. When released, the blade is urged to its closed position by a hinge member which connects the blade to the duct. The blade in its closed position cooperates with the hinge member to substantially prevent flow of fluid through the opening.

Abstract: A motorized fire and smoke damper for an air passage is disclosed. The damper includes a wrap spring clutch used to automatically open and close a multifold curtain to define an opening in the passage. The clutch is normally connected to a stationary member by a fusible link, which restrains a portion of the clutch to enable the clutch to transmit torque to rotate a windup pulley and thereby raise or open the curtain. In the event of fire, the fusible link melts, whereupon the spring clutch no longer transmits torque and the pulley automatically freewheels to lower or close a raised curtain under its own weight or by spring bias. The passage opening is then closed. When desired, the air passage can be reopened by energizing the clutch to rotate it until it engages an adjacent finger, at which point the spring clutch can again transmit torque to the pulley and open the curtain.

Abstract: Fire dampers are disclosed for use in air ducts to arrest the flow of gases and flame through the ducts in the event of a fire. The dampers each include a frame defining a generally rectangular central opening and a plurality of blades which are normally disposed in a folded position at one side of the frame but which can be moved by spring means to an unfolded position in which they extend across the opening of the frame in the event of a fire. A fusible link means normally retains the blades in their folded position. Locking members are provided for retaining the blades in their unfolded position after they have been released by the fusible link means. In one embodiment, the locking members engage integral tabs formed on the endmost blade. In another embodiment, the endmost blade has an end portion which is deflected at an acute angle with respect to the remainder of the blade and which engages over locking brackets secured to the frame.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to one piece frames for fire dampers and the like. The frames are formed from elongate sheet metal blanks each of which is folded into a centrally open, generally rectangular form. In one embodiment, ends of the blank are secured together by a central tab on one end which extends through a T-shaped slot formed at the opposite end of the blank. In another embodiment, the blank is secured in its folded form by an angle shaped end bracket and the frame is provided with at least one corner bracket forming a gusset. The blanks have inwardly directed flanges which are formed with V-shaped notches to permit folding of the blank. In one embodiment, the notches each define an angle of less than 90.degree. and portions of the flange on each side of the notch are overlapped when the blank is folded to provide for frictional engagement between the overlapped portions. In another embodiment, the notches each define an angle of 90.degree.

Abstract: A pair of butterfly smoke/fire dampers are mounted on a single frame. Each damper includes a pair of blades which can be locked in the open position and which, when released, rotate about a hinge to the closed position. The frame has a flange around the inner periphery thereof which engages the edges of the blades in the closed position. Each pair of blades are moved to the open position by an operator cable which extends through a first ferrule in the frame, through a second ferrule in one of the blades and thereafter across the blades to a point of attachment complementally located on the opposing blade. The frame ferrule is offset from the blade ferrule whereby withdrawing the cable causes both blades to be drawn toward each other. The blades can be held in the open position by maintaining tension on the operator cable or by a fusible link or other heat responsive latching mechanisms.

Abstract: A novel locking clip is disclosed for use with either fire or smoke dampers, which locking clip normally does not interfere with the operation of those dampers but, which under activation conditions, allows the blades of the damper to move into the desired position, but effectively prevents the blades from moving out of that position until fire conditions have passed.

Abstract: A novel telescoping heat responsive releasing device is described wherein a mounting member on which a bimetallic means is mounted slidingly engages a pawl member which is movable between a first position in which the pawl member is capable of being restrained by the aforementioned bimetallic means, and an actuating position wherein associated apparatus connected to said releasing device may assume the desired heat responsive posture. Various alternate embodiments are illustrated wherein a plurality of bimetallic elements are utilized to engage the pawl member, wherein a bimetallic element is additionally actuated mechanically or electrically, and wherein various pawl and mounting member configurations are illustrated.

Abstract: A latch plate for an automatic fire damper intended to be used in ductwork to close such ductwork in the event of fire is formed as a unitary structure. Such a latch plate comprises mutually perpendicular end and side flanges and is integrally formed on its side flange with a transversely projecting, arcuate-sectioned tongue about which there can be wound a spool type tension spring which is operative to move a closure or shutter of such a damper into its closed position on fusion of a mechanical catch mechanism normally holding such a closure in its open position. The side flange of the latch plate is formed with a lateral cam surface along which a terminal blade member of the closure rides as it moves into its closed position and such surface is formed with a pair of ribs on the shutter when that shutter reaches its fully closed position so then releasably to hold the shutter in such closed position, and a novel blade for use in such a fire damper having one symmetrical and one assymetrical hinge part.

Abstract: A motorized smoke and fire damper including a peripheral frame suitable for mounting within a duct and a plurality of interlocking blades movable within the frame from an open position to a closed position. A normally energized motor is affixed to the frame either inside or outside of the duct to constantly urge a pulley to a stall position. A cable or cables attach to the pulley and are normally retained taut by the motor operation. The cables incorporate a fusible link and are connected to retain the blade assembly in the open position. Interruption of line current to the motor, such as in response to signals transmitted by a smoke detector sensing device, releases the pulley and the attached cables to thereby allow the blade assembly to drop by gravity to the closed position. The blade assembly is also responsive to the presence of heat within the duct upon fusing of the fusible link.

Abstract: A butterfly damper with a plurality of blades which can be locked in the open position, and which, when released, rotate about a hinge to the closed position. A pawl member, attached to one blade, extends away from the blade and through an opening in a second blade when the blades are in the open position. A mounting member attached to the second blade restrains the pawl member thereby holding the blades in the open position. A bimetallic link attached to the mounting member causes the pawl member to be released when the temperature of the air passing through the duct increases beyond a preselected level. A closure spring attached to the blades acts on the blades tending to force them apart against the action of the mounting member and the pawl member when the blades are restrained in the open position. The damper blades can be insulated to prevent the heat from a fire on one side of the damper from being conducted by the damper to the other side when the blades are in the closed position.

Abstract: A fire damper of the kind in which at least one flap is pivoted in a duct between a first position in which the flap closes the duct and a second position in which the duct is open. A suitably powered winching motor is adapted to control the movement of the flap through a linkage including a fusible link so that when the motor is energized the flap is moved to its second position or open position provided that the fusible link is still intact whereas when the motor is de-energized the flap is moved to its first or closed position.

Abstract: A novel telescoping heat responsive releasing device is described wherein a mounting member on which a bimetallic means is mounted slidingly engages a pawl member which is movable between a first position in which the pawl member is capable of being restrained by the aforementioned bimetallic means, and an actuating position wherein associated apparatus connected to said releasing device may assume the desired heat responsive posture. Various alternate embodiments are illustrated wherein a plurality of bimetallic elements are utilized to engage the pawl member, wherein a bimetallic element is additionally actuated mechanically or electrically, and wherein various pawl and mounting member configurations are illustrated.

Abstract: A fire curtain constituted by two nets of nonflammable material is stored in a container on the ceiling and hangs therefrom as soon as a fire starts. Simultaneously, a mixture of water and a bubbling agent in the form of fine bubbles is flown down the curtain to check the spread of flame and smoke. Any section where a fire starts can be isolated from neighboring sections by means of a plurality of such fire curtains. Made of soft, flexible material, the curtain used neither injures a person upon closure nor prevents him from escaping to safer places.

Abstract: A resettable fire link is described comprising a releasable member, gripping means for engaging said releasable member in the normal position and for releasing said releasable member in the activated position. Said gripping means comprises heat responsive means for causing said gripping means to move to the normal position in response to an ambient temperature and for causing said gripping means to move to the activated position in response to a preselected increase in said ambient temperature. Mechanical activation means are also provided for movement from a first withdrawn to a second extended position. In said first withdrawn position, the mechanical activation means allows said gripping means to move freely between its normal and said activated position, as aforesaid. The mechanical activation means also may independently cause said gripping means to move to the activated position.

Abstract: An insulating system for reducing heat loss from a structure during one part of the day and for permitting light to enter the structure during another part of the day, this system comprising a roll mounted on the structure, a flexible sheet of material wound around the roll, structure supporting the roll immediate its length and engaging portions of the wound sheet, and means for unwinding the sheet from around the roll and deploying it in a plane and for rotating the roll to rewind the sheet therearound; and a system for detecting build-up of snow or ice.

Abstract: This invention concerns itself with and discloses a system for protecting articles and works of value such as, without limitation, works of art. Upon the occurrence of predetermined and preselected conditions, such as the occurrence of a fire, this system will permit and causes a fireproof, flameproof, smokeproof and waterproof curtain to move and descend about the article to be protected. In addition, the article and the entire protective covering just described, in a preferred embodiment of this invention, is permitted and is caused to descend into a protective container until the emergency condition has passed, whereupon the entire structure may be mounted as it was originally.