Abstract: A garage door opener with solenoid latches is provided with a circuit for energizing the coils of the solenoid latches with power from a 24-volt step-down transformer, either as 120 volt power is applied to a motor to move the door in response to detection of an initial surge of current or as a manual or radio controlled command switch is actuated. In either case, current at a higher level is applied initially to pull in the armature locking pins of the solenoid latches, and thereafter at a lower hold-in level. A transformer with a single turn primary winding or a Hall-effect device may be used to detect the initial surge of current to the motor and in response thereto pull in the locking pins. Thereafter, hold-in current is applied as long as current to the motor is sensed.

Abstract: A garage door lock system is described which resists prying open while facilitating authorized opening of the system in the event of a power failure or other malfunction. The system includes a lock box (16) fastened to a door frame, and a solenoid (22) mounted in the box. The solenoid has a plunger (24) which can pass through a hole (26) in a latch mounted on the garage door when the door is closed. The solenoid is mounted so it can be manually moved to an inward position to withdraw the plunger from the latch hole to permit opening of the garage door in the event of a power failure. The solenoid is flexibly mounted so it is not broken free when the plunger is pressed to one side by a vandal or pressed to the opposite side by the door closing when the plunger is extended. An alignment rod (56) which is coupled to the plunger, biases the plunger back towards an orientation in alignment with the plunger-receiving holes in the lock box and latch when sideward pressure in either direction is removed.

Abstract: A door lock system is described of the type wherein the solenoid that includes a plunger retractable from a latch hole, can be manually slid away from the latch hole. The solenoid coil is mounted on a slideable bracket by leaf springs with bent ends, that permit the coil to pivot when the plunger is forced against a side of the latch hole.

Abstract: A conventional garage door opener assembly has integrated therewith an electrically actuated solenoid assembly at each side of the garage door actionable between the garage door frame and the door. In the case of a solidly assembled door pivotal between closed and opened position, the solenoid assemblies are mounted near the lower extremities of the door so as not to interfere with door movement, while still being capable of locking the door in closed position. The solenoid assemblies are interiorly secured at the door frame sides with the housings thereof permanently projecting across the clearance spaces between the door frame and door and interiorly overlapping the door with the solenoid plungers projectable therefrom in this overlapping positioning into aligned latch members secured interiorly of the door.