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: 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. Timers may be used to block receipt of any mobile signals for a period of time to prevent any further door movement. 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: An apparatus for covering an opening in a structure may include spaced rails positioned at opposed sides of the opening. Each rail includes a channel and a is curtain movable along the rails to cover and uncover the opening. A locking bar is attached to one end of the curtain. The locking bar has opposed end portions received in the channels, and a locking channel is positioned close to the ends of each rail to receive the bar. The locking channel is disposed at an angle relative to the channel and the bar is selectively received in the locking channel to lock the curtain in a position covering the opening. In some embodiments the locking bar includes a length that spans the distance between the side rails and is selectively locked in the sill along at least thirty percent of the length.

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: A system for re-synchronizing an access barrier with a barrier operator comprises an access barrier, and a barrier operator to profile and monitor the manual and automatic movements of the access barrier. The barrier operator comprises a controller, a memory, a motor pivot encoder, and a counting encoder. The memory contains a primary counter to store the distance measured by the counting encoder, while a secondary counter maintains a value equal to the travel of the access barrier as determined by a profiling operation initiated prior to operating the barrier operator. The controller takes into account the counts of the primary and secondary counters, along with the stored profile information, allows the re-synchronization system to determine the proper amount of movement to be applied to open or close the access barrier, in the event the access barrier has been manually moved.

Abstract: An operating system which utilizes a multi-functional wall station for a motorized barrier includes an operator for controlling movement of a barrier between various positions. The operator may receive signals from a wireless or wired wall station transmitter, a wireless keyless entry device and/or a portable remote transmitter device. The multi-function wall station provides for selective concealment of certain switches or buttons which are not commonly used in the day-to-day operation of a wall station. For example, the up/down switch may be actuated by a hinged cover which conceals other selected operational buttons and wherein those operational buttons are only accessed upon opening of the hinged cover. The wall station also provides a periodic lighting element so as to easily direct the user to push the hinge cover to initiate up/down movement of the barrier.

Abstract: A sectional door movable between a closed vertical position and an open horizontal position having, a plurality of adjacent panels joined by hinges for articulation in moving between the closed vertical position and the open horizontal position, each of the panels having a facer defining the perimeter of the panels by longitudinal edge extensions terminating in ends, the hinges and the longitudinal edge extensions configured to maintain a clearance between the longitudinal edge extensions of the adjacent panels during articulation thereof, and an up-bow in the longitudinal edge extensions to prevent sagging that could result in interference between longitudinal edge extensions of the adjacent panels when the panels are substantially in the horizontal position.

Abstract: A door system includes a door formed of a plurality of panels and movable between a closed position and an open position. Hinges join adjacent together adjacent panels. A reinforcing member is attached to the panels and extends substantially the longitudinal length thereof. At least one roller carrier may be mounted interiorly of the reinforcing member that is adapted to receive a roller assembly. A hinge may be directly mechanically coupled to both the roller assembly and the reinforcing member by a fastener. A flexible washer may be included that retains together the top and bottom leaf of the hinge prior to installation.

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 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: 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. Timers may be used to block receipt of any mobile signals for a period of time to prevent any further door movement. 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 system for moving a barrier between limit positions, includes an operator motor assembly mounted proximate to the barrier, wherein at least a portion of 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 biases the motor assembly in the operating position and 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 limit position or when forced entry is imposed on the barrier. The biasing force may be adjusted by moving posts on the motor assembly that are engaged by the bias assembly. A disengagement feature may also be provided that allows pivotable movement of the motor assembly even when in a locking position. And the pivoting motor assembly may be used as a secondary entrapment input to an operator controller.

Abstract: A door system having a sectional door (D) moveable between an open position and a closed position, a track system (T, T1) guiding movement of the sectional door, and an operator system (10) driving movement of the sectional door, said operator system including a motor assembly (42) having an adjustable housing (48) and capable of pivotal movement to a door locking position, said adjustable housing having a base section (70), an extendable section (72), and a latching mechanism (100) for maintaining the extendable section in a desired position and for permitting selective axially repositioning of the extendable section relative to the base section.

Abstract: A system for raising and lowering a sectional overhead door between an open position and a closed position including, a counterbalance system adapted to be connected to the door, an operator motor assembly mounted proximate to the sectional overhead door in the closed position of the sectional overhead door, at least a portion of the operator motor assembly movable between a door operating position and a door locking position, and a locking assembly (370) having an engaged position to hold the motor assembly in the operating position and a disengaged position to release the motor assembly allowing it to move to the door locking position. The system may be provided with a remote light assembly having a switchable light source in sensing communication with the operator motor such that operation of the motor activates the light source.

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: A drive system for a door (10) having an operator (35) and a counterbalance system (25). A drive tube (27) of the counterbalance system (25) interconnects the operator (35) and the door (10). A gear assembly (65) of the operator (35) engages the drive tube (27) for transferring rotational forces from the operator (35) to the drive tube (27). An aperture (105) extends through the gear assembly (65), and a fastener (106) extends through the aperture (105) to deform the drive tube (105). The fastener (106) sufficiently deforms the drive tube (27) to permit transfer of operating torque of the operator (35) to the drive tube (27), but not to an extent that prevents the gear assembly (65) from being removed from the drive tube (27).

Abstract: A counterbalance system (25) for a door (D) movable between a closed position and an open position having an axle (20), a cable drum (15) attached to the axle, a winding shaft (35) interconnected with the axle by a counterbalance spring (26), and a pawl (70) selectively movable between a first position for adjusting tension in the counterbalance spring and a second position for preventing rotation of the cable drum upon failure of the counterbalance spring, thereby limiting movement of the door toward the closed position.

Abstract: A sectional doorpanel (P, P?; P?) having a facer (50; 94; 114), a backer (52; 96; 116), a core (54; 98; 117) interposed between the facer and the backer, the backer including at least one protruding element (60A, 60B) extending outwardly therefrom and longitudinally thereof, and a reinforcing member (66, 76) positioned longitudinally along the protruding element and a reinforcing strip (90; 112, 113) positioned adjacent one of an upper edge (112) and a lower edge (113) of the panels and extending longitudinally thereof.

Abstract: A limited-use appliance, such as a garage door operator or a home network bridge device, 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 warning system may be incorporated so that imminent expiration of the limited-use functions initiate warnings for the benefit of the end-user.

Abstract: An overhead garage door (10) includes a plurality of panels (11) each carrying rollers (12) which ride in a track assembly (15). The track assembly (15) includes a generally vertically positionable component (16), a generally horizontally positionable component (17), and an arcuate transitional component (18) positioned between the vertical component (16) and the horizontal component (17). The vertical component (16) is generally U-shaped in end profile having a base portion (22) with branches (20, 21) extending from the edges thereof. The vertical component (16) is provided with a plurality of spaced separating systems (25), each of which includes a web (26) extending across the base portion (22) and the slots (28, 29) in the branches (20, 21). A selected portion of the length of the vertical component (16) may be removed by inserting a tool in the slots (28, 29) of one of the separating systems (25) and twisting it to break the webs (30, 31) adjacent to the slots (28, 29).