Abstract: A door system (20) having a door (21) movable between a closed position and an open position, a plurality of panels (40-43; 140-143; 240-243), a facer (45; 145; 245) generally defining the configuration of the panels, hinges (50; 150; 250) joining adjacent of the panels for articulation in moving between the closed position and the open position, a reinforcing member (65; 165; 265) associated with the facer extending substantially the longitudinal length of at least one of the panels, a roller assembly (80; 180; 280) mounted on the reinforcing member, and a track system (31, 32; 131, 132; 231, 232) operatively interrelated with the roller assembly, whereby forces imparted to the facer are transferred to the track system through the reinforcing member and the roller assembly.

Abstract: A door system (10) including, a door (D) movably mounted on a track assembly (15), a counterbalance system (20) connected to the door and having at least one spring (25), a tool adapter (26) proximate at least one end of the counterbalance system, a detachable winding assembly (30) adapted to selectively engage and selectively rotate the tool adapter to adjust tensioning of the spring, and a locking assembly (36) interacting with the counterbalance system to maintain a selected tensioning of the counterbalance system upon detaching the winding assembly from the tool adapter.

Abstract: A track assembly for an overhead door (10) includes a generally vertically positionable track segment (14) and a generally horizontally positionable track segment (15). The track segment (14) includes a curvilinear portion (17) at one end thereof which telescopically receives a curvilinear portion (21) of the track segment (15). The curvilinear portion (17) of the track segment (14) has a smaller radius of curvature than the curvilinear portion (21) of the track segment (15). In one embodiment, a bracket (30) has tabs (40) which are received in a slot aperture (42) in the curvilinear portion (17) to attach it to the bracket (30), and the bracket (30) has a lug (41) which is received in a slot (44) in the curvilinear portion (21) to attach it to the bracket (30). In another embodiment, the track segment (14) is carried by a bracket (51), and the track segment (15) is carried by a bracket (52) with the telescopic relationship being the only connection between the track segments (14, 15).

Abstract: An operator system for moving a barrier between limit positions, comprising an operator motor assembly mounted proximate to the barrier, at least a portion of said operator motor assembly movable depending upon an operating condition thereof; a counterbalance system adapted to be connected to the barrier, said counterbalance system coupled to said operator motor assembly to move the barrier; and an integral cable storage drum and transfer assembly connecting said operator motor assembly to said counterbalance system.

Abstract: An operator system for automatically controlling access barriers based on movement of a carrying device. The system consists of an operator controller associated with an access barrier, a base receiver associated with the base controller, and a mobile transmitter that includes an activity sensor configured to monitor movement in at least one axis of movement and a mobile emitter. The mobile transmitter is configured to automatically emit from the mobile emitter a mobile open signal and a mobile close signal containing at least one warning data bit that is placed in a set state when the activity sensor first detects a change in movement of the mobile transmitter. The base receiver receives the mobile open signal and mobile close signal, and the operator controller resets a last process variable when the at least one warning bit is received.

Abstract: An operator system and related methods for automatically controlling access barriers which includes a base controller associated with at least one access barrier and at least one base receiver associated with the base controller. The system also includes at least one mobile transmitter that automatically and periodically generates at least one mobile signal detectable by the base receiver. The base controller selectively generates barrier movement commands upon receipt of the at least one mobile signal in an operate mode. The operator and the mobile transmitter both include transceivers to allow two-way communication therebetween during a learn mode. Such a system allows for hands-free operation of the access barrier. A discrete processing system may also be used to retrofit existing barrier operator systems for use in hands-free operation.

Abstract: A movable door panel having a front facer with opposed longitudinal edge profiles, rails secured to the longitudinal edge profiles, a rear facer secured to the rails, and foam disposed within an inner volume defined by the front facer, the rails and the rear facer is disclosed. Transverse stiffeners are disposed within the inner volume and the foam, and extend between the opposed rails. The door panel may be made by continuously providing the front facer with a rail secured thereto, continuously positioning transverse stiffeners on the front facer and extending between the metal rails, and continuously applying a foaming material on the front facer and the transverse stiffeners. The method concludes by bringing a rear facer into contact with the metal rails, and drawing the panel through a laminator. Hardware may then be attached to one or both of the facers and the stiffener.

Abstract: An operator for use in connection with a door system including an axle having an operator framework supporting an operator motor, the operator framework defining a clearance adapted to insertably receive the axle therein, a gear assembly defining a bore in which the axle is received and including a removable gear segment adapted to selectively medially open the bore to receive the axle, wherein the motor is interconnected with the gear assembly to cause rotation thereof.

Abstract: Mobile transmitter configured to control any compatible barrier operator so as to move an access barrier to a closed position based on the change in angular and/or linear position of a carrying device. The mobile transmitter includes a position sensor and an activity sensor to monitor the change in position of the carrying device. Thus, when the angular and/or linear position of the carrying device changes by an amount greater than a predetermined threshold, the mobile transmitter automatically communicates a mobile command signal to the barrier operator commanding it to close the access barrier.

Abstract: A curtain assembly (10) to cover and protect an opening in a structure, such as a window (11), includes side rails (14) which extend between a header (12) and a sill (13). A roller (19) is positioned in the header (12) and carries a fabric curtain (15). Tabs (20) extend outwardly from the lateral edges (18) of the curtain (15), and at least some of the tabs (20) carry at least one retention member (21, 22 or 23). Tabs (15) and the retention members (21, 22 or 23) are received in a compartment (39) in the side rails (14). Flap walls (40, 52) form a portion of the compartments (39) and are spaced from each other. The curtain (15) can extend through the space (56) but the retention members (21, 22 or 23) cannot. As a result, upon impact against the curtain, the retention members (21, 22 or 23) engage the flap walls (40, 52) which engage the curtain (15) and the curtain (15) is maintained in the side rails (14).

Abstract: An operator system for moving a barrier between limit positions, includes an operator motor assembly mounted to the barrier, wherein the motor assembly is movable between an operating position and a locking position with the motor assembly blocking movement of the barrier. A bias assembly allows the motor assembly to move toward the locking position when either a predetermined force overcomes a biasing force, or when the barrier is moved to a closed position or when forced entry is imposed on the barrier. A modified blocker tab having a plurality of projections, and which is part of the motor assembly, allows the speed/angular position of the rotation of the motor assembly to be monitored with increased resolution.

Abstract: A system is provided to adjust the orientation of the axis of a roll which carries a fabric storm curtain used to protect an opening in a structure. The system includes a bracket positioned at each end of the roll and a plate which is received in a recess in each bracket. The plate includes a hub which carries the roll and which has an axis aligned with the axis of rotation of the roll. The hub is positioned off center of the plate so that dependent on the orientation of plate relative to the recess, different orientations of the axis of the roll are provided.

Abstract: An operator system for moving a barrier between limit positions, includes an operator motor assembly mounted to the barrier, wherein the motor assembly is movable between an operating position and a locking position with the motor assembly blocking movement of the barrier. A bias assembly allows the motor assembly to move toward the locking position when either a predetermined force overcomes a biasing force, or when the barrier is moved to a closed position or when forced entry is imposed on the barrier. A modified blocker tab having a plurality of projections, and which is part of the motor assembly, allows the speed/angular position of the rotation of the motor assembly to be monitored with increased resolution.

Abstract: A door system (10) including, a door (D) movably mounted on a track assembly (15), a counterbalance system (20) connected to the door and having at least one spring (25), a tool adapter (26) proximate at least one end of the counterbalance system, a detachable winding assembly (30) adapted to selectively engage and selectively rotate the tool adapter to adjust tensioning of the spring, and a locking assembly (36) interacting with the counterbalance system to maintain a selected tensioning of the counterbalance system upon detaching the winding assembly from the tool adapter.

Abstract: A door system is provided for a door opening defined by a pair of vertically spaced jambs, a header positioned near the vertical extremity of the jambs, and a floor supporting the jambs. The door system includes a door, a plurality of track sections, the door being movable on the track sections, and a support system coupled to the door. Engagement of the support system when the door is in a closed position enables transfer of forces applied to the door at least to one of the header and the floor. One embodiment provides for automatic actuation of the support system by movement of a pivoting motor assembly to a closed position. Another embodiment provides for manual actuation of the support system.

Abstract: An uninterruptible power source (UPS) for supplying power to a barrier operator when mains power has failed is disclosed. The UPS includes a UPS controller for detecting and responding to a mains power failure and capable of generating a plurality of control signals. A backup power source and an up-converter is connected to the UPS controller, wherein the up-converter increases the voltage of the backup power source when needed. A switch is responsive to one of the plurality of control signals of the UPS controller and toggles the operator barrier between the up-converter and the mains power source, and awakens the operator via a standby receiver power line. Another embodiment awakens the operator anytime a UPS receiver receives a preamble of a wireless transmission signal. Auxiliary lighting may also be associated with the UPS and/or photo-electric safety devices.

Abstract: An operator system provides a mobile transmitter configured to communicate with a base operator to automatically open and close an access barrier based on the position of a carrying device that maintains the mobile transmitter. The mobile transmitter periodically transmits a mobile open signal as it moves away from the reception range of the base operator until that signal is lost. When the base operator again receives the open signal, the access barrier is automatically opened. In addition, the mobile transmitter is configured to monitor the change in position of the carrying device as it moves away from the enclosure. When the angular and/or linear position of the carrying device changes by an amount greater than a predetermined threshold, the mobile transmitter automatically transmits a mobile close signal to the base operator to close the access barrier.

Abstract: A system for protecting an opening, such as a window (11) in a structure (12) includes a fabric cover (13) having spaced openings (14) around the periphery thereof. In one embodiment, a frame (21) includes a track (27) and a stem (24) which is received in a slot (20) formed on the periphery of the window (11). The track (27) carries connector assemblies (15) which are received through the openings (14) in the cover (13) to attach the cover (13) to the frame (21). In another embodiment, the track is formed in a component (50) of a frame (40) and a web (42) attached the component (50) to another frame component (41) which is attached by fasteners (60) adjacent to the window (11).

Abstract: An operating system for a motorized barrier includes an operator for controlling movement of the barrier between various positions. The operator may receive wireless signals from a wireless or wired wall station transmitter, a wireless keyless entry device and/or a portable remote transmitter device. The system also includes a device such as a light kit or switch that controls a load, wherein the device is capable of also receiving wireless signals to control the kit or the load. And the transmitters are capable of generating wireless signals receivable by the operator and the device for independent operation of each.

Abstract: An operator for use in connection with a door system including an axle having an operator framework supporting an operator motor, the operator framework defining a clearance adapted to insertably receive the axle therein, a gear assembly defining a bore in which the axle is received and including a removable gear segment adapted to selectively medially open the bore to receive the axle, wherein the motor is interconnected with the gear assembly to cause rotation thereof.