Abstract: Hardware designed to improve safety and minimize the risk involved in installing, maintaining, and operating sectional doors that use spring mechanisms to facilitate door movement. A lock-on side bearing bracket bears up a spring mechanism on a garage door. This side bearing bracket includes a hook and a perpendicular tab to prevent the spring mechanism from dangerously releasing its energy when parts supporting the spring mechanism are removed or fail. A lock-on bottom roller bracket having a bottom bearing plate and a safety hook similarly prevents a potential, dangerous release of energy when the garage door lift cable is in tension. A safety latch with a latch bar and a latch cover acts as a lock for the garage door. The use of multiple safety features makes the garage door systems of the present invention particularly safe to operate and maintain.

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: An overhead door assembly in which the door assembly has a vertical closed position and a horizontal opened position, the door assembly including a frame having a horizontal support member and first and second vertical members fixedly mounted to either end of the horizontal member, the vertical members are fixedly mounted to the ground. A one piece door member includes top and bottom horizontal ends and first and second vertical sides and is pivotally mounted to the horizontal member of the frame with the door member being movable from a closed position to an opened position about a pivot point. A hydraulic cylinder is pivotally mounted on a portion of either of the first or second vertical members and the second end of the hydraulic cylinder is pivotally mounted to the door member. The hydraulic cylinder includes a ram movably disposed within the cylinder and transmits an opening and closing force to the door member.

Abstract: An operating system (10) for controllably moving a sectional door (D) between open and closed positions comprising a counterbalancing system (30) having a drive tube interconnected with the sectional door (D) and an operator motor (40) mounted adjacent to the drive tube (31), a drive train interconnecting the drive tube (31) and the operator motor (40) for selectively driving the drive tube (31) for moving the sectional door (D) between the open and closed positions, a coupler (50) in the drive train selectively retractable from a driving position and a remotely-actuated disconnect assembly (60) operatively attached to the coupler (50), wherein the disconnect assembly (60) retracts the coupler (50), whereby the sectional door (D) may be manually moved toward either of the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: A cable control device (10) for a sectional overhead door (11) having a motor-driven counterbalance system (30) including, a spring-loaded drive shaft (31), cable drums (33) carried by the drive shaft, cables (C) attached to and interconnecting the cable drums and the door and forming and releasing cable wraps on the cable drums upon raising and lowering of the door, and retainers (60) associated with the cable drums engaging a portion of at least one cable wrap to maintain engagement of the cable wrap with the cable drums in the event of the development of slack in the cables.

Abstract: A door maneuvering arrangement for opening and closing a door. The arrangement includes a line loop connected to a part of the door, a drive wheel, a motor for reversibly rotating the drive wheel and a plurality of guide pulleys for guiding the line loop. First guide pulleys are mounted in the vicinity of the drive wheel and cause a first line section of the line loop to bear on and extend in an omega-shape path around a first portion of the circumference of the drive wheel. Second guide pulleys are mounted in the vicinity of the drive wheel and caused a second line section of the line loop to bear on and extend in an omega-shape path around a second portion of the circumference of the drive wheel.

Abstract: A counterbalance system for an upward-acting door includes spaced-apart wall brackets and cable drums supported on the brackets and connected to flexible cables which depend from the drums and connected to the lower side edges of an upward-acting sectional garage door. One or both of the cable drums may be connected to one end of a torsion coil spring and the opposite end of each spring is connected to a hub assembly. Elongated spring winding and protective cover tubes are sleeved over the springs and are connected to the brackets by worm-gear drive winding mechanisms, respectively, for rotating the tubes to effect winding of the torsion coil springs through the hub assemblies but preventing rotation of the tubes during normal operation of the counterbalance system. The cable drums and spring hub assemblies may be supported on an elongated synchronizing shaft or a torque transfer shaft extending between and supported on the wall brackets.

Abstract: A counterbalance system for an upward acting door includes spaced apart wall brackets supporting a tubular shaft for spaced apart cable drums operable to wind counterbalance cables thereon to counterbalance the weight of the door. Torsion springs interconnect the cable drums and spring winder tubes sleeved over the springs and connected to the wall brackets by a winder mechanism including a support plate having spaced apart tabs adapted to register in corresponding slots formed in a wall bracket. The winder mechanism includes a worm gear drive including a ring gear which is connected to one end of the winder tube by an arrangement of radially inwardly projecting key portions in a bore of the ring gear which register with axial grooves formed in the winder tube and are adapted to slide into transverse slots intersecting the grooves. A removable lock pin is engageable with the ring gear or the worm of the worm gear drive.

Abstract: An overhead garage door arrangement in which a door leaf is moveable between open and closed position, and is installable against a ceiling for sliding up and down or that can be tilted or swung up and down for compensating against the weight of the door, at least one helical spring module is provided with a least two parallel-loaded helical tension springs that are arranged coaxially one within the other, and that are wound in opposite directions. The inner spring has an outside diameter which is smaller than the inside diameter of the outer spring. The oppositely wound coils of the coaxial springs cross each other. The two springs are pushed over a holding element which has a narrower first section for receiving the inner spring, and having a wider second section spaced from the first section for receiving the outer spring. The first and second sections of the holding element have edges with hook-shaped portions for grasping coils of the coaxial springs.

Abstract: A sectional gate assembly to move a sectional gate between an open position and a closed position by an upper and lower closing element. The upper closing element is flexibly connected with the lower closing element, and both the upper and lower closing elements each have a first and a second opposite side and one or more guides which are arranged on each of the first and second opposite sides of the closing elements. The sectional gate assembly includes a first and a second single track guide rail. The first and second guide rails each have a vertical section and a horizontal section connected with a curved portion. One or more of the guides on the upper and lower closing elements are adapted to move within the guide rail. A weight-counterbalancer is included in the sectional gate assembly.

Abstract: A device for opening or lifting a door (22) that hangs down by a hinge (23) with a horizontal swivel axis is characterized by an elbow lever mechanism, which is operated by means of a spring element (21) and which can additionally be folded down in the area of its dead point when the door (22) is still hanging or which is at its maximum force transfer when the door (22) is swivelled up. The door should preferably also be able to be folded down.

Abstract: A garage door safety bracket (26) utilizes a fixed member (42) and a sliding member (44) to inhibit removal of the bracket (26) while there is tension in a cable (40) which is attached to the sliding member (44). The sliding member includes three access apertures (68) and moves between tensioned and untensioned positions. Tension in the cable (40) forces the sliding member into the tensioned position in which the access apertures (68) are offset from panel fasteners (48) which attach the bracket (26) to a lower panel (30L) of a garage door (22). When the tension on the cable (40) is released, the sliding member (44) slides into the untensioned position in which the access apertures (68) are aligned with the panel fasteners (48) permitting access to the panel fasteners (48). A roller mount (46) is separately attached to the sliding member (44) by roller mount fasteners (74) which permit a lower roller (32L) to be serviced without releasing the tension on the cable (40).

Abstract: The assembly comprises an extension spring anchored at one end to a winch mounted to the door opening frame. A double-grooved pulley is mounted on a plate secured to the free end of the spring. A fixed second double-grooved pulley is mounted to the door frame. A pair of cables are anchored at one end to the door frame and extend in parallel to pass around the two pulleys. After the second pulley, the cables separate and extend down to the bottom corners of the door, to which they are secured. Upon release of the door latch with the door down, the spring contracts and, through the first pulley, applies an equal pull to the two cables so that they move at the same rate, thereby raising the door smoothly.

Abstract: A garage door operator having reduced noise output during operation includes a head unit having a housing. A motor mount is connected to the housing to support an electric motor. A vibration damper is interposed between the motor mount and the electric motor to reduce noise radiated from the housing when the electric motor is energized to drive a garage door up and down.

Abstract: A garage door operator is disclosed to have a front coupling for a threaded screw of the operator and the rotor of the motor. The coupling includes a first coupling device that is a unitary coupling member with opposing recesses for receiving each of the rotor shaft and an end portion of the screw. The unitary coupling member thereby connects the screw to the motor for torque transmission from the motor. The second coupling device includes a thrust containment device that is supported on the screw, and an intermediate assembly disposed between the thrust containment device and an end portion of the guide rail of the door operator. A retainer component of the intermediate assembly restricts expansion of the thrust containment device.

Abstract: A safety device for engagement to the rotary shaft of a spring-loaded overhead door assembly so as to cover an adjustable end of the coil spring which imparts counterbalancing torque to the shaft. The safety device includes a cup-like sheath having a generally cylindrical side wall and an end wall having an axial opening therein. A tubular sleeve extends from the end wall around the opening and a threaded passage is present in the sleeve. A threaded fastener is threaded into the passage, the fastener being recessed in the passage and having a head whose outer surface is uninterrupted except for a plurality of spaced-apart small holes whereby the fastener can only be rotated by a tool which is sized to fit in said passage and which has a plurality of prongs which register with said holes.

Abstract: An extension spring overhead door system in which the spring may be quickly and easily placed in tension with the door in a closed position. A spring tensioning device is provided which eliminates the need for multiple installers to lift the full weight of the door and then clamp or otherwise prop the door in an open position. An extension spring containment tube is also provided which surrounds the entire periphery of the spring to fully contain the entire length of the extension spring.

Abstract: A power operated garage door of the type having a single section movable from a vertical closed position to a horizontal open position at the ceiling of the garage by cables which pull the door open and closed and are secured to the door by extensions of the journal bearings for pivotally supporting the lower edge of the door.

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: A drive mechanism for a pivoted member (1), such as a beam of a traffic barrier, comprises a rotary element (6) coupled to the pivoted member (1). A friction roller (7) for driving the rotary element (6) is supported on a mounting (8) that is pivoted on an axis (9) and biased about the axis (9) to hold the friction roller (7) in pressure contact with the rotary element (6). When the friction roller (7) is driven to rotate the element (6) to raise the pivoted member (1), the frictional force between the roller (7) and the driven element (6) is increased, whereas the frictional driving force is reduced when the roller (7) is rotated in the reverse direction.

Abstract: An overhead swinging door is swingably mounted on two side supports slidable in two vertical guides and each connected to a counterweight by a cable re-directed over an upper pulley. On at least one of the door sides, the counterweight is also connected to the respective side support by a chain which forms an endless ring with the cable and is re-directed over a lower wheel driven by a motor and reducing gear unit which is preferably located within the side upright of the door frame.

Abstract: A torsion spring counterbalance assembly having one end of a torsion spring attached to a center support bracket with the other end attached to a torsion shaft around which the torsion spring is pre-loaded with the torsion shaft releasably locked to the center support bracket for allowing the tension of the pre-loaded torsion spring to be released after installation with an overhead garage door to counterbalance the garage door between open and closed positions via lift bands wound about drums mounted at the ends of the torsion shaft and secured to the door bottom by wire brackets. The drums are selectively connected for rotation with the torsion shaft and disconnected from rotation with the torsion shaft to permit adjustment of the tension and resulting torque of the torsion spring. A safety interlock mechanism limits the rotation of the torsion shaft relative to the center support bracket in the event of a malfunction upon initial installation.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for maneuvering a generally vertically moveable door, the arrangement comprising at least one bendable door lifting element which is connected to at least one of the two longitudinal side edges of the door. In order to enable the force required to maneuver the door to be held substantially constant, or to vary only significantly over the full opening range of the door, particularly in the case of doors of the kind in which the force required to open or maneuver the door increases with the extent to which the door is opened, the door lifting element has connected thereto an elongated, bendable counterbalance device, and the door lifting element will function to move the counterbalance device between an inactive position, in which it is generally horizontal, and an active position in which at least a part of the weight of the counterbalance device will exert a lifting force on the door through the intermediary of the door lifting element.

Abstract: A door latching and lifting mechanism for use on an aircraft as an escape hatch. The door (10) is an upwardly opening plug-type door. Its latching mechanism (12) consists of a torque tube (80) and handle (90), both of which are carried by the door (10). Pulling on the handle (90) rotates the tube (80) and causes door latch pins (113) to retract, thus releasing the door (10). A preloaded lift spring (48), connected to the door (10) by an overhead cable (18), automatically pulls the door upwardly as soon as the pins (113) retract.

Abstract: An operator system for a counterbalanced door includes a rodless fluid cylinder that has a cylinder body and a rodless piston adapted for reciprocation in the cylinder body. A carriage which is adapted for reciprocation externally along the length of the cylinder body is secured to the piston. A link member connects the cylinder carriage to a door or to a torsion bar for the door. A control circuit is provided for controlling the operation of the fluid cylinder and hence the position of the door.

Abstract: An opening-closing mechanism for a hinged panel or sectional overhead garage door which is located laterally along the top door panel and has an integrally associated electric motor and speed reduction drive component located mediate of and for a direct reaction with opposed vertical and horizontal gear and roller guide tracks having a specific curvature in the area of transition movement of door panels from vertical to horizontal.

Abstract: A mechanism for opening and closing a large one piece rectangular overhead gate includes vertical jamb members on each side of the gate, horizontal track members located near the top of each side of the gate, track rollers fastened to the gate and carried on the track members, kicker wheel brackets attached to each jamb member each including a main pivot, an upper spring mounting member above the pivot, spring arm members fastened to said pivots and a kicker wheel mounted above the upper spring mounting member, a lower spring mounting member near the lower end of each jamb member, coil springs attached between upper and lower spring mounting members and an electric motor attached to the top of the gate to raise and lower the gate.

Abstract: A garage door operator for moving a garage door between open and closed posiitons includes a head unit for being held by a support structure positioned remote from the door with the head unit having a motor and a drive wheel with spaced teeth on its periphery for being driven by the motor. The operator also includes an elongate rail having a first end which is held by a support structure disposed adjacent and above the door with the rail including a pulley located adjacent the first end. The rail also includes a second end for being held adjacent to and in alignment with the drive wheel. The operator also includes a drive belt assembly for training about the drive wheel and the pulley and for being supported by the rail. The belt assembly includes a length of a plastic belt with teeth on one surface thereof matching the teeth on the drive wheel.

Abstract: A garage door operator includes a head unit held by a supporting structure remote from the garage door. A rail has a first end held by a supporting structure adjacent the door and a second end fixed adjacent to and in alignment with a toothed drive wheel carried by the head unit. The garage door operator further includes an endless drive belt assembly trained about the drive wheel and a pulley held by the rail adjacent the garage door. The belt assembly includes a length of a plastic belt having teeth on one surface thereof matching the teeth on the drive wheel. The belt assembly further includes a trolley for connection to the garage door and a connector for joining one end of the plastic belt to one end of the trolley. The plastic belt has a lower surface to which the belt teeth extend, and the drive wheel has an upper surface to which the wheel teeth extend.

Abstract: Counterbalancing mechanism for a garage door or other device in which a torsion spring end member is fastened to a second member to which it is connected during normal operation of the counterbalance by cooperating interfitting elements on the members which allow longitudinal movement of the end of the spring during a spring adjusting operation. The counterbalance hardware includes a self-locking winding mechanism for winding or unwinding one or more torsion springs which operates to fix one end of the spring connected thereto against movement during normal operation of the counterbalance. The structure connecting the ends of each torsion spring into the hardware is such that each end of the spring is always connected for rotation with either the torsion shaft of the counterbalance or the self-locking mechanism including during the adjustment or setting of the torsion in the springs.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to motorized garage door operating apparatus and, more specifically, to such apparatus including mechanical locking means which automatically disengages at the onset of energization of the motorized opening/closing apparatus from the closed door condition before any opening motion of the door begins. The apparatus also operates to activate the locking means after the door is advanced to its fully closed position.

Abstract: A driving and guiding apparatus for a counter-weighed horizontally pivoted wing, particularly for a garage door. The apparatus comprises a structure embedded in an opening that the wing is designed to close, two lateral vertical guides for the wing formed in the embedded structure, an articulation rod on each side and two lateral weight-carrying cables turning around a respective pulley. The apparatus also comprises a drive means for opening and closing the wing which includes a motor-driven transmission shaft which extends along the lintel of the opening in which the wing is mounted, a pinion mounted on each end of the transmission shaft and a toothed wheel mounted coaxially and rigid in rotation with each pulley. Each toothed wheel meshes with a respective pinion so that the rotation of the transmission shaft in one direction causes controlled unwinding of the cables, and thus the opening or lifting of the wing, and its rotation in the opposite direction causes its shutting or lowering.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a new and novel fume hood sash operator system and a fume hood containing such a system. The sash operator is constructed to operate from a pressure fluid cylinder so that the sash member can be stopped, started, moved up or down to accommodate changes in the flow of air moving through the hood structure and to provide a safe, durable, energy savings sash operating system.

Abstract: A torsion spring assembly for counterbalancing overhead doors which includes an elongated helical torsion spring with coils that are normally spaced apart (when the spring is untensioned), a shaft extending through the spring, and a pair of spring-mounting collars carried by the shaft and provided with slotted neck portions operatively connected to pre-formed hooks at the ends of the spring. One of the collars is fixed against both rotational and axial movement upon the shaft; the other is rotatably mounted upon the shaft; and at least one of the collars is removable from the shaft for field disassembly and reassembly of the parts. The method for constructing the assembly, either during manufacture or in the field, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A power beam converts a linear force into a torque. The beam is slideably positioned transverse to a structural member to be rotated and adjacent a hinged connection of the structural member to a frame. The beam is driven in a linear direction by a motive means such as a hydraulic cylinder, cable network or threaded shaft and actuation nut. A cable extends from its connection to the structural member at a set distance from the hinged connection, over the end of the slideable beam and then to a bias means, typically a spring. To rotate the structural member, the slideable beam is driven transverse to the structural member to impart a force along the cable the spring travels to its limit and thereafter a significant force is applied to the structural member to rotate the structural member.

Abstract: An opening mechanism for a tip-up door especially for garages which comprises levers fixed on a shaft which is mounted hingedly on the door, the levers having their distal ends connected to the door frame and torque applying structure being functionally connected with the shaft and a motor to apply torque for opening the door with the structure and motor being mounted on the door. The torque applying structure can be a crank or a gear system. An initiator can comprise either a manually applied switch or remote initiating means such as ultra-sonic or radio signals. This opening mechanism applies a torque to the levers to lift the door open in a tip-up action but additionally applies a reaction torque to the door itself to swing it up in the typical tip-up fashion while the levers lift it.

Abstract: A twin drum cable helical gear worm drive garage door opener which provides positive drive in either direction and ensures positive cable take-up and supply spool synchronization and ensures positive position relationship between the trolley and the operator head and has pre-assembled anchored cable ends which allow easy assembly and disassembly. The cable is oriented in the vertical plane which allows the point of cable latch to be in the same load/force plane and minimizes bowing of the support shaft under severe load conditions. The integral motor worm reels and support shaft results in a compact light weight unit and cable tensioning means are provided for allowing easy and simple adjustment of the unit when it is installed.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a new and novel fume hood sash operator system and a fume hood containing such a system. The sash operator is constructed to operate with a belt drive and a clutch mechanism so that the sash member can be stopped, started, moved up or down to accommodate changes in the flow or air moving through the hood structure and to provide a safe, durable, energy-saving sash operating system.

Abstract: An improved closure operator as for example for a garage door opener wherein a motor is coupled to the drive shaft of the door at one end thereof to drive pull-up and pull-down pulleys and a clutch mechanism is provided between the drive motor and the drive shaft which can be decoupled by moving a lever arm so as to disconnect the motor from the drive shaft to allow the door to be manually opened or closed as, for example, in the event of power failure. The unit results in a substantial simplification over prior art garage door operators which require a rail and trolley mechanism for opening and closing the door.

Abstract: An overhead tilting door assembly is provided, particularly for use in large buildings. The door assembly includes a door member having a quadrant member attached to each of its upper corners. Generally horizontal support members are provided on either side of the door member extending rearwardly therefrom. Each quadrant member is rolled along a support member to tilt the door between open and closed positions. A drive means is pivotally attached to a quadrant member for tilting the door member and for locking the door member against movement, unless being tilted by the drive means. The assembly also includes anti-skid means between the quadrant members and the support members to force the quadrant members to roll and not skid along the support members.

Abstract: A lock for use with a garage door having an automatic garage door opener attached thereto includes a housing which attaches to the garage door. A bracket attaches to the inside of the garage and is positioned such that the housing and the bracket are in close proximity to each other when the garage door is closed. An element is movably mounted on the housing to move between a locked and unlocked position. The automatic garage door opener attaches to the element and is capable of moving both the element between its locked and unlocked positions and moving the garage door via motion imparted to the door via the housing and the element. When the garage door is closed and the element is moved from its unlocked to its locked position the garage door is securely locked against being opened by an outside influence.

Abstract: An integral unit is provided comprising a raisable and tiltable door panel member and a frame structure therefor containing the driving mechanism. All the components of the driving mechanism are not only contained within the door frame member, but are also entirely concealed therewithin so that the integral unit has an agreeable and esthetic appearance, both from the front and from the rear side. Nobody can tamper with the driving mechanism, neither from its front nor from its rear side. No greased nor oiled components (such as chains, cables and the like) are exposed, with which the user may soil its clothes or its hands when passing by. The entire unit may be manufactured and its operation tested at the factory, and thereafter it can be assembled at the site of use by only fixing the frame in position in the corresponding wall aperture.

Abstract: An improved, one piece, counterbalanced, canopy-type door. The door has a counterweight tube fixed to and extending along the upper edge thereof, which tube contains a counterweight mass. The counterweight tube projects outwardly beyond the front surface of the door to provide for a positive closing of the door when the door swingably approaches its closed position. The door inlcudes a frame having a pair of Z-shaped rails defining the side edges of the door, and one or more intermediate channel members disposed between and substantially parallel to the side rails. The side rails and channel members are fixed at the upper ends thereof to the counterweight tube, and are of decreasing cross-section as they extend to the lower end of the door. This permits the door to be of lighter weight yet possess increased strength so that the door is capable of withstanding substantially greater panel loads thereon, such as caused by high winds.

Abstract: A movable bulkhead for partitioning a truck body or the like is pivotally supported on an overhead shaft. The shaft extends transversely between a pair of trolleys which ride along tracks and are capable of differential movement thereon. A second pair of trolleys are also track mounted to support a spring-loaded counterbalance mechanism for the bulkhead. Drum and cable assemblies included in the counterbalance mechanism automatically pivot the bulkhead to a raised position when the seal of the bulkhead against the flow of the truck is broken.

Abstract: A counterbalance for a fume hood is located behind the back of the hood and is connected to each side of the sash by a pair of cable portions which are routed from the counterblanace over the top of the hood by pulleys on the top of the hood. The counterbalance comprises a container which can be filled with a desired amount of weight material, and a roller on the container is engageable with the back of the hood to prevent sliding contact between the counterbalance and the hood. The weight of the sash can be adjusted to equal the weight of the counterbalance by inserting weights into a weight-receiving receptacle formed in the frame member attached to the upper edge of the sash glass.