Abstract: A limited-use appliance is disclosed which has at least one input device for generating an input signal and a controller associated with the input device and receiving the input signal. The controller initiates at least one limited-use function of the appliance upon receipt of the input signal. A test device is maintained by the controller, and has a predetermined criteria which determines whether the input signal should be sent on to the controller or not. A method for pre-installing an appliance is also disclosed and includes the steps of pre-installing an appliance with a controller, wherein the controller operates the appliance in a limited manner. An input device from a group of input devices is associated with the controller, wherein the input device generates an input signal to operate the appliance. And the pre-determined criteria maintained by the controller is tested such that the input signal from the controller is blocked when the pre-determined criteria is met.

Abstract: A sectional door (20,120) for articulated movement between an open position and a closed position having a plurality of interconnected panels (21, 22, 23; 121, 122, 123, 124), a body portion of the panels spacing a first decorative rail (30A, 31A; 130A, 131A, 132A, 133A) and a second decorative rail (30B, 31B; 130B, 131B, 132B, 133B), projections (64, 65, 66, 67; 172, 173) disposed along the first decorative rail and the second decorative rail, the projections (64, 65, 66, 67; 172, 173) configured to form a pinch resistant interface (61, 62; 161, 162, 163) between the panels during articulation thereof, the body portion having an exterior surface (26, 27; 125, 126, 127, 128), the exterior surfaces being spaced an offset depth (D) from the first decorative rail and the second decorative rail, and decorative components (35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40; 145, 146, 147, 148) attached to the exterior surface and positioned between the first decorative rail and the second decorative rail, whereby the decorative components ar

Abstract: An operator system and related methods (10) for sensing forces on a movable barrier (12) includes a motor (52), a trolley (30), and a trolley arm (34) having a first end slidably supported by the trolley (38) and a second end coupled to the movable barrier. The motor moves the trolley arm which in turn moves the movable barrier. A force detection mechanism (68) is coupled to the motor to determine a first component force value applied by the motor. A controller (54) receives the first component force value and determines a detected force value by scaling the first component force value with a second component force value derived from an angular position of the trolley arm's first end with respect to the trolley. The angular position of the trolley arm may be fixed or variable. An angle potentiometer (72) is coupled to the trolley arm to generate an angle signal for use as the second component force value when the trolley arm's angular position is allowed to vary.

Abstract: A door system comprising, a plurality of sections pivotally joined to each other by a hinge assembly, the hinge assembly being pivotally supported on one of the sections and having a leg that extends from the one of the sections to an adjacent section to attach thereto, a stop assembly including a stop member extending forwardly from the leg toward a stop receiver carried on the one of the sections, whereby interaction of the stop member and the stop receiver ensure alignment of the sections.

Abstract: An ignition assembly provides a current to a spark plug to combust fuel in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The ignition coil assembly includes a primary winding defining a central axis. A secondary winding is wrapped about the primary winding coaxial with the central axis. The ignition coil assembly also includes a central core extending through the primary winding coaxial with the central axis. The central core includes a plurality of core components each having a single exterior surface that is continuous. In addition, each of the single exterior surface extends through an arcuate path.

Abstract: A cable tensioner (20) for a sectional overhead door (D) having a motor-driven counterbalance system (30) including, a spring-loaded axle (31), cable drums (24) carried by the axle, cables (C) attached to and interconnecting the cable drums and the door and forming and releasing cable wraps (29) on the cable drums upon raising and lowering of the door, the cable tensioner having, a tension spring (31) adapted to be mounted on the sectional door having a first end (34) and a second end (35), the first end being adapted to engage the door and the second end being adapted to slidingly engage the cable, wherein the tension spring urges the second end to take up any slack in the cable.

Abstract: A limited-use appliance is disclosed which has at least one input device for generating an input signal and a controller associated with the input device and receiving the input signal. The controller initiates at least one limited-use function of the appliance upon receipt of the input signal. A test device is maintained by the controller, and has a predetermined criteria which determines whether the input signal should be sent on to the controller or not. A method for pre-installing an appliance is also disclosed and includes the steps of pre-installing an appliance with a controller, wherein the controller operates the appliance in a limited manner. An input device from a group of input devices is associated with the controller, wherein the input device generates an input signal to operate the appliance. And the pre-determined criteria maintained by the controller is tested such that the input signal from the controller is blocked when the pre-determined criteria is met.

Abstract: A door system comprising, a plurality of sections pivotally joined to each other by a hinge assembly, the hinge assembly being pivotally supported on one of the sections and having a leg that extends from the one of the sections to an adjacent section to attach thereto, a stop assembly including a stop member extending forwardly from the leg toward a stop receiver carried on the one of the sections, whereby interaction of the stop member and the stop receiver ensure alignment of the sections.

Abstract: An operator system and related methods (10) for sensing forces on a movable barrier (12) includes a motor (52), a trolley (30), and a trolley arm (34) having a first end slidably supported by the trolley (38) and a second end coupled to the movable barrier. The motor moves the trolley arm which in turn moves the movable barrier. A force detection mechanism (68) is coupled to the motor to determine a first component force value applied by the motor. A controller (54) receives the first component force value and determines a detected force value by scaling the first component force value with a second component force value derived from an angular position of the trolley arm's first end with respect to the trolley. The angular position of the trolley arm may be fixed or variable. An angle potentiometer (72) is coupled to the trolley arm to generate an angle signal for use as the second component force value when the trolley arm's angular position is allowed to vary.

Abstract: An ignition coil for a spark ignition internal combustion engine has a central core. The central core is cylindrical in shape, and includes a plurality of laminations composed of magnetically-permeable plates that are sector-shaped. The sector-shaped laminations improve the fill percentage allotted for core material. The central core has a central bore extending therethrough that allows a return of a primary winding lead, allowing an odd number of primary winding layers.

Abstract: A method for interacting with an underlying program using e-mail includes receiving an APPMAIL request from a user (or automated process) of an underlying program. The APPMAIL request defines a task requiring input from one or more recipients. An APPMAIL is generated based upon the request. The APPMAIL includes a body providing information concerning the task and at least one structured input portion. The structured input portion includes at least one structured input field for receiving pre-defined structured input from the recipient(s). The APPMAIL can also include an unstructured input portion for receiving unstructured input data from the recipient(s). The APPMAIL is sent to the recipient(s) via e-mail and completed APPMAILs are received from the recipient(s) via http(s) post or e-mail. Each completed APPMAIL comprises structured input data entered by the recipient in the at least one structured input field. The structured input data is extracted from the structured input field.

Abstract: A sectional door (20) having a plurality of panels (21,22,23,24) including, a body portion (25) of the panels spacing and joining longitudinal edges (40, 50), one of the edges (40) between adjacent panels on a first panel having a substantially concave curvilinear surface (45) in vertical cross-section, the other of the edges (50) between adjacent panels on a second panel having a substantially planar surface (52) in vertical cross-section, longitudinally-spaced hinges (65) interconnecting the first and second panels for pivotal movement. A panel (22) for sectional door (20) having a generally rectangular foam core (140, 240, 340), an inner surface (145, 245, 345) extending the longitudinal length of said foam core, and a recess (150,250,350) in the inner surface and the foam core extending the longitudinal length of the foam core.

Abstract: A sectional door (20) having a plurality of panels (21, 22, 23, 24) including, a body portion (25) of the panels spacing and joining longitudinal edges (40, 50), one of the edges (40) between adjacent panels on a first panel having a substantially concave curvilinear surface (45) in vertical cross-section, the other of the edges (50) between adjacent panels on a second panel having a substantially planar surface (52) in vertical cross-section, longitudinally-spaced hinges (65) interconnecting the first and second panels for pivotal movement.

Abstract: A support bracket and track assembly for the support of sectional overhead doors. The assembly comprises track means (110, 112, 114) for supporting the overhead door sections and horizontal support bracket means (80) for supporting the track means (110, 112, 114). The assembly further comprises flag bracket means (140) for mounting the track means (110, 112, 114) and support bracket means (80) to a structural support, and tab means (90, 120, 130) for attaching the track means (110, 112, 114) to the support bracket means (80) and flag bracket means (140). A related fastening system for use with overhead sectional door components comprises first (80, 140) and second (112, 114) components, tab means (90) extending from the first component (80, 140) for engaging the second component (112, 114), and tab slot means (120, 130) in the second component for receiving the tab means (90) of the first component (80, 140).

Abstract: A sectional door (20) having a plurality of panels (21, 22, 23, 24) including, a body portion (25) of the panels spacing and joining longitudinal edges (40, 50), one of the edges (40) between adjacent panels on a first panel having a substantially concave curvilinear surface (45) in vertical cross-section, the other of the edges (50) between adjacent panels on a second panel having a substantially planar surface (52) in vertical cross-section, longitudinally-spaced hinges (65) interconnecting the first and second panels for pivotal movement.

Abstract: A sectional door (20) having a plurality of panels (21, 22, 23, 24) including, a body portion (25) of the panels spacing and joining longitudinal edges (40, 50), one of the edges (40) between adjacent panels on a first panel having a substantially concave curvilinear surface (45) in vertical cross-section, the other of the edges (50) between adjacent panels on a second panel having a substantially planar surface (52) in vertical cross-section, longitudinally-spaced hinges (65) interconnecting the first and second panels for pivotal movement.

Abstract: A jamb bracket (10, 40) and track (30, 60) assembly for the support of overhead sectional doors and the like. The assembly comprises bracket means (10,40) having tab means (20,50) and track means (30,60) having tab slots (34,74). The tab means (20,40) engage the tab slots (34,74) for attachment of the bracket means (10,40) to the track means (30,60). A related jamb bracket (10,40) comprises a U-shaped main body (14,44), providing first and second perpendicularly disposed legs (16,46 and 18,48) and, tab means (30,60) offset from the main body (14,44).