Abstract: The invention relates to an operator controller for controlling an operator for a powered closure of a building or enclosure, more particularly a door operator controller, including an apparatus for informing a user as to the operating status of the operator controller and/or of the operator to be controlled or of the closure to be powered, especially as to a status requiring user intervention. To avoid unnecessary service calls it is proposed that the operating status information apparatus comprises an apparatus for outputting a combination of a warning signal and message clearly indicating the operating status, preferably without the assistance of any further information. The invention also relates to an operator provided therewith as well as to a method of operating same.

Abstract: A security system for detecting and expelling external intrusions at individual windows is provided. The security system includes an intrusion detection transmission system (100) having a human body detection sensor (110), an infra-red sensor (120), a switching unit (130) for connecting the detection signals from the sensors (110 and 120), and a wireless transmitter (140) for encoding and wirelessly transmitting the signal transmitted from the switching unit (130), and a central processing system (200) including a wireless receiver (210) for receiving, and demodulating the wireless receiver (210) for receiving and demodulating the wireless transmission signals from the wireless transmitter (140) in the intrusion detection transmission system (100), and a home switching unit (220) for controlling operations of a home automation unit (400) and a warning siren portion (240) according to the outputting signal of the wireless receiver (210).

Abstract: Indirect lighting system having an elongated housing or reflector which can be mounted on the headrail of a vertical blind or the like, with a light source disposed centrally of the housing or reflector for illuminating the surface of the blind. In some disclosed embodiments, the housing is mounted in a stationary position, and in others the reflector rotates to control the direction in which the light shines. Wiring for the system is concealed, and in some embodiments, the system includes a valance with removable panels overlying the housing.

Abstract: A decorative attachment to improve visibility of screen doors in order to prevent inadvertent walk-through and resultant injury to persons or damage to the screen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for relaxing a person in a stressful environment, such as a health care, business, hospitality or educational setting, provides a person with a choice of selecting for viewing one or more high resolution spatially open, serene natural landscape scenes to which the person is believed to have an innate positive (biophilic) affinity, upon a fabric frame display member mounted upon a flexible wall partition, such as a hospital curtain, a ceiling, a stand or other display member. In one embodiment, the spatially open, serene natural landscape scene is a savanna-type landscape or a like scene to which humans are believed to have a biophilic affinity. The biophilic landscape picture is printed preferably on a flexible fabric by a high resolution sublimation printing process, wherein an image is first scanned into a computer and then transformed by state-of-the-art technology to the fabric herein. The image may also be printed directly on all or a portion of a curtain itself.

Abstract: A door assembly of the type having a frame mounted to a wall. The frame comprises a head portion, opposed vertical jamb portions and a sill portion. Doors are provided in the frame. A door in the frame is displaceable between an open position and a closed position. The doors comprise a sash portion supporting a see-through panel. Each of the head portion, the jamb portion, the sill portion, and the sash portion of the door has one external cladding and one internal cladding. The external cladding and the internal cladding are detachably connected to one another, such that only the external cladding is exposed to an exterior of the door assembly and only the internal cladding is exposed to an interior of the door assembly when the door is in the closed position. A method for interconnecting two hollow elongated extruded sections of the door sash is also provided.

Abstract: An impact detection system for an industrial door, the system including two members that are releasably coupled to each other to move together with the door as it travels, disposed beyond the doorway opening is a radiation emitter and a radiation detector, preferably packaged together in a photoeye device, and emitting a beam of radiation; the first member carries a reflector that, when the two members are coupled, reflects the radiation back to the photoeye, and that is movable to a position wherein it does not reflect the radiation back to the photoeye in response to separation of the two members caused by the door being impacted, the change in state from 1) the radiation being reflected to the photoeye to 2) the radiation not being reflected to the photoeye thus serves as an indication that an impact on the door has occurred.

Abstract: A window cover apparatus that includes a window cover substrate and a mechanism for adjusting the configuration of the substrate relative to a window. Illuminating material such as phosphorescent or luminescent material is provided on or in the substrate to provide illumination in darkness. The illuminating material may contain color pigment and be configured to provide a colorful design in both daylight and darkness.

Abstract: A canopy assembly for sheltering a drive-up ordering station of a fast food restaurant can pivot out of the way when impacted by a vehicle and return automatically to a centered position. A centering feature mounted to a column supporting a roof structure engages a pivotal coupler to bias the roof to a center position. This feature includes a pivot post assembly extending across the cavity and through a pair of helical slots in the coupler. When a leading end of the roof assembly is struck by a vehicle, the coupler is rotated and the pivot post engages the slots so that the coupler translates upward. The coupler is biased by gravity to a centered position in which the top ends of the slots rest on the pivot post.

Abstract: A retractable barrier system for preventing unsupervised access to dangerous areas by children. The retractable barrier system includes an housing with an elongate perimeter wall, a bottom wall and a top wall which define an interior space; a barrier assembly positionable within the housing and extending through a slot of the housing; a biasing assembly for selectively retracting the barrier assembly into the housing; a receiving housing for selectively coupling to the barrier assembly; and an alarm assembly positioned within the receiving housing to provide an aural warning when the barrier assembly is disconnected from the receiving housing.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for securing a window or similar opening and includes a fair of frames slidably mated to one another. The apparatus further includes one or more sensors or switches that would be triggered in the event that the apparatus is moved or removed, thereby initiating an alarm.

Abstract: A canopy assembly for sheltering a drive-up ordering station of a fast food restaurant can pivot out of the way when impacted by a vehicle and return automatically to a centered position. A centering feature mounted to a column supporting a roof structure engages a pivotal coupler to bias the roof to a center position. This feature includes a pivot post assembly extending across the cavity and through a pair of helical slots in the coupler. When a leading end of the roof assembly is struck by a vehicle, the coupler is rotated and the pivot post engages the slots so that the coupler translates upward. The coupler is biased by gravity to a centered position in which the top ends of the slots rest on the pivot post.

Abstract: A shutter assembly includes a structure which surrounds an opening and a shutter including a plurality of laths hingedly connected together at their longitudinal edges and moveable across the opening in a direction substantially normal to those longitudinal edges between an opened position and a closed position to respectively open and close the opening. A latch mechanism is operable to retain the shutter in the closed position. The latch mechanism includes at least one latch member mounted on the shutter and, for each latch member, at least one keeper mounted on the structure and which has a portion with which the respective latch member may be engaged to latch the shutter in the closed position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for relaxing a person in a stressful environment, such as a health care, business, hospitality or educational setting, provides a person with a choice of selecting for viewing one or more high resolution spatially open, serene natural landscape scenes to which the person is believed to have an innate positive (biophilic) affinity, upon a fabric frame display member mounted upon a flexible wall partition, such as a hospital curtain, a ceiling, a stand or other display member. In one embodiment, the spatially open, serene natural landscape scene is a savanna-type landscape or a like scene to which humans are believed to have a biophilic affinity. The biophilic landscape picture is printed preferably on a flexible fabric by a high resolution sublimation printing process, wherein an image is first scanned into a computer and then transformed by state-of-the-art technology to the fabric herein. The image may also be printed directly on all or a portion of a curtain itself.

Abstract: The sign covering of the present invention is an all weather covering for concealing the insignia side of a sign, and more particularly a roadway sign. The covering is made of a weather resistant fabric, such as polypropylene, and is light enough for a single person to install. The sign covering does not damage the sign nor is it susceptible to the elements. Typically, straps affixed to a sheet covering the insignia side of the sign hold the cover in place. The straps are tied at the back of the sign using a cord fitted through the eyelets of grommets positioned at the free end of each strap and into the corresponding grommets that are positioned at the opposite edge of the sheet. Once securely attached, the sign cover effectively hides the insignia side of the sign from view.

Abstract: A retractable gate assembly that can be mounted either on or recessed within a wall. The assembly preferably having an alarm system to notify others that the gate is being touched. The gate assembly is most commonly used as a baby-gate at the top and bottom of stairwells or at kitchen entrances to avoid injury. The gate assembly is also used as a pet-gate.

Abstract: A display arrangement for sheet-type materials including a fastening system having a malleable metal hook set which supports an adhesive/magnetic sandwich for suspending a metal backing plate that magnetically retains an image affixed to a display sheet, wherein display sheets are applied onto conventional shutters of doors and windows by a metallic hanger strip having a bent end hook set for bending into engagement with the lower edges of a louver, an adhesive layer, a magnetic sheet adhered to the adhesive surface on both front and rear of the metallic sheet, a second metal sheet which attaches magnetically to the magnetic sheet; and a display sheet having a magnetic backing layer which attaches to the galvanized metal sheet.

Abstract: A special connector for use with a drapery headrail incorporates an attachment clamp for flexible tubular lighting devices at one end of the connector. At the opposite end the connector incorporated a protuberance or some other structure for removably interacting with the headrail (i.e., the protuberance snaps into a channel or groove on the head rail). The connector may also incorporate a clamp to grasp a valance and thus act as an improved valance clip which is removably attachable to the drapery headrail and to the valance and also incorporates a device to hold a length of flexible tube accent lighting. The clips may be readily rearranged on the head rail to prevent drooping of the flexible tube or to create complex patterns with the tube. The flexible tube may be readily removed for replacement of defective elements. Clips can be available in different configurations so that the accent lighting is most prominent on the valance, most prominent on the drapery or is even aimed upwards towards the ceiling.

Abstract: A combined alarm system and window covering assembly includes a top housing, a bottom rail, a covering, an alarm element, a pull cord which is slidably coupled to the top housing and a resiliently biased reed relay switch. The resiliently biased reed relay switch includes a tube which has a first end and a second end which is crimped and which is mechanically coupled to an end of the bottom rail, an encapsulated reed relay switch which has a first end with a first conductive lead and a second end with a second conductive lead and which is fixedly coupled to the pull cord and slidably disposed within the tube and a spring which has a first end and a second end and which is disposed in the tube so that the first end of the spring is adjacent to the second end of the tube and the second end of the spring is adjacent to the first end of the encapsulated reed relay switch. Both of the first and second conductive leads are coupled to the alarm element.

Abstract: An impact detection system for an industrial door, the system including two members that are releasably coupled to each other to move together with the door as it travels; disposed beyond the doorway opening is a radiation emitter and a radiation detector, preferably packaged together in a photoeye device, and emitting a beam of radiation; the first member carries a reflector that, when the two members are coupled, reflects the radiation back to the photoeye, and that is movable to a position wherein it does not reflect the radiation back to the photoeye in response to separation of the two members caused by the door being impacted, the change in state from 1) the radiation being reflected to the photoeye to 2) the radiation not being reflected to the photoeye thus serves as an indication that an impact on the door has occurred.

Abstract: A device for attachment to screens including a body in turn having arms by which the device is attached to the screen and legs by which the device is stabilized in position. The body preferably includes an element such as a hook such that an ornament may be suspended from the device so that the device serves as a visual warning so that people will be aware of its presence.

Abstract: A vehicle rolling shutter system with magnetic door-ajar and compartment light switch. In combination with a vehicle, the rolling shutter system has a roller shutter, constructed of a number of interconnected links, for movement along guide rails positioned at opposing sides of an access opening to a cargo compartment of the vehicle. A lamp, for illuminating the cargo compartment, is positioned within the cargo compartment. An indicator lamp is positioned on a dashboard of the vehicle. The roller shutter has a lift bar which is mounted by mounting members to a lower portion of the roller shutter. The lift bar engages with strike blocks, positioned at opposing sides of the access opening to the cargo compartment, for retaining the roller shutter in a closed position. At least one of the strike blocks contains a magnetic switch element connected to the lamps.

Abstract: This invention is a window security guard that can be mounted by a do it yourself individual in a window. The security guard is designed so that it can be decorated to meet the decor of the room where it is placed. The security guard has a collapsible grill that is placed in the window to keep burglars from entering the home. The grill is collapsible so that the security guard can easily be pushed aside and a person can escape through the window in times of emergency. The collapsible grill is attached to a mounting member that has a rectangular box-like shape that can be easily bolted to the wall at the side of the window. On the other side of the window the locking member can be easily bolted to the inside wall. The grill contains a simple locking device that is a bar attached to the grill with an opening in the end. The bar fits through an opening in the locking member and telescopes into an U-shape locking bracket within the locking member.

Abstract: An apparatus that promotes patient relaxation, reduces patient stress, and/or expedites patient recovery, in a health care facility or home-based convalescent environment. The apparatus includes a substantially glare-free visual display device with one or more open, natural, serene and, preferably, savanna-like landscape pictures. Such pictures, including large size high resolution photo-realistic images, are displayed by means of a substantially glare-free display device, such as a flexible panel of fabric material positioned near a hospital bed or a like item of furniture, in close proximity to the patient so as to give the patient the perception of being in a natural and biophilic setting. In certain embodiments of the invention, the biophilic picture is removably attached to a movable wall, partition or hospital curtain structure which forms at least part of an enclosure substantially around at least part of the hospital bed.

Abstract: A flexible roll up industrial door which includes a multilayered door closure fabric. The fabric includes conductive reinforcing yarns embedded within the layers of the fabric such that the conductive reinforcing yarns do not rise to the surface of the fabric. The embedding of the conductive reinforcing yarns within the multilayered fabric serves to both protect and at least partially conceal the conductive reinforcing yarns.

Abstract: A security screen includes a rectangular frame including a top member containing a screen reel comprising a rotatable core with a length of electrically non-conductive screen material affixed thereto. The screen contains parallel electrical conductors therein running lengthwise, and transverse conductors interconnect selected pairs of the lengthwise conductors to form therewith a single continuous electrical path which is interrupted if the screen is cut. A latchable drawbar is affixed along the lower edge of the screen, so that the screen can be drawn closed, against the bias provided by two torsion springs. One end of each spring is connected to the reel's core; its other end is attached to a stationary stub shaft, which serves as a terminal for connection to an alarm. The springs are electrically joined to opposite ends of the screen's conductor path, thus serving as non-sliding rotary electrical joints.

Abstract: A burglar deterrent decoy is provided which consists of a partial face mask with simulated eyes and nose, which is mounted to a side jamb of a window in an exterior wall of a building behind a window blind. A slat of the window blind is retained in front of the partial face mask in a bent up raised position when desired, so as to produce an illusion that a person is looking out through the window blind to scare away a burglar.

Abstract: A canopy assembly for use at fast food restaurants or the like and beneath which vehicles normally drive. An over-height impact bar is carried by a frame of the canopy assembly and when struck, first energizes an alarm and then travels over a first lost motion distance enabling a driver to react to the alarm and stop the vehicle before it strikes the canopy. Should the driver not stop, the impact bar travels a second lost motion distance to cause a latch to be unlatched and permit the assembly to be swung by the oncoming vehicle clear of its path of movement.

Abstract: A closing element for rooms, such as buildings, containers, superstructures of vehicles or the like, which can be rolled up and covers a two-dimensional area. The closing element is of a flexible material which can be rolled up and is reinforced transversely of its rolling direction by bending-resistant reinforcement layers which increase the transverse stiffness and which are embedded on both sides of a core zone within the closing element. At least the core zone of the closing element is of a shifting-resistant material of middle-soft formulation of approximately 70-85 shore A, and/or textile and/or metal flakes or fibers are mixed into the material of the core zone.

Abstract: A combined alarm system and window covering assembly includes a top housing, a bottom rail, a covering, a continuous conductive wire which has a first end and a second end and an alarm device. The alarm device has a first input terminal and a second input terminal. The covering is mechanically coupled to the top housing and the bottom rail. The continuous conductive wire extends from the top housing down to the bottom rail and up from the bottom rail to the top housing. The first and second ends of said continuous conductive wire are electrically coupled to the first and second input terminals of the alarm system. The continuous conductive wire is coupled with the bottom rail as a main pull string for raising and lowering the bottom rail and the covering.

Abstract: A lighted retractable awning includes a roll bar about which a canopy can be rolled with the roll bar having an elongated recess therein adapted to receive a light source. The light source includes an electrical cord having a plug on one end adapted to be received in an electrical outlet in a support surface on which the awning is mounted.

Abstract: An expandable entry detection screen is for use with an electronic alarm system. The expandable entry detection screen includes a first screen frame and a second screen frame for fitting into an opening of a window frame. The second screen frame is adjustably and slidably coupled to the first screen frame. The expandable entry detection screen also includes a first screen mesh and a second screen mesh which are mechanically coupled to the first and second screen frames, respectively. A first portion of a single wire is mechanically coupled to the first and second screen meshes and disposed in the first frame. A second portion of the single wire has slack and is disposed in the second frame. The single wire is electrically coupled to the electronic alarm system. A take-up mechanism takes-up the slack in the second portion of the single wire. The take-up mechanism includes a mounting bolt and nut assembly, a spring and a hook. The mounting bolt and nut assembly is mechanically coupled to the second frame.

Abstract: A metered shade which provides shelter/shade for a specified amount of time before the shade is removed. Through the use of a meter which is activated by either currency of a "credit card" arrangement, the shade is provided for a chosen length of time. The mechanism is activated so that shade is provided for an area such as an automobile parking space. A further enhancement of the invention deactivates the shading process when either the time has lapsed or the vehicle vacates the spot.

Abstract: A signalling system utilized in a firedoor control system. For warning and alerting personnel of the immanate (seconds) closing of a firedoor, to avoid injury of such personnel in the vicinity of the closing firedoor. The system is actuated by being responsive to either a smoke detector signal or to an electrical failure to the smoke detector. Means responsive to the smoke detector generates a first control signal, a first timer means generates a second control signal at the end of a first delay interval, and a second timer means generates a series of reoccurring control pulses transmitted to audible and visual signalling elements. A test means is provided to determined operational (functional) status of a rechargable battery utilized in the system in the event of an electrical failure to the smoke detector.

Abstract: The present invention provides an early warning sound alarm system for signalling unauthorized entry or attempted entry through a pet door when the pet door is covered and not in use. The alarm system in accordance with the invention, comprises in combination: a pet door including a frame defining a passageway therethrough, and a flap swingably mounted on the frame adjacent the upper edge of the passageway for swinging movement in either direction therethrough; a covering member removably secured to one side of the frame adjacent the flap for preventing entry through the passageway; and an electrically powered sound alarm, including a sound signal box, and a switch such as a leaf spring biased limit switch disposed between the flap and the surface of covering member adjacent the flap. The switch is suitably positioned to maintain the sound signal box in a deactivated state when the covering member is secured on the frame to prevent entry through the passageway.

Abstract: A door burglar alarm system having, preferably, a door movement intercepting component which may be moved easily in the direction of door movement by an opening motion of a door and which may be connected to a trigger mechanism to initiate an alarm signal in response to a predetermined distance having been traversed by the intercepting component, this intercepting component whereupon may provide a positive resistance prohibiting the further movement thereof in the direction of opening the door whereby the door is also prohibited from opening further.

Abstract: A screen assembly includes a rectangular mesh sheet with several parallel security strands of insulated conductive wire extending between opposite sides of the sheet. Insulated cross wires lie on a face of the mesh near the opposite sides thereof, are joined by welding or soldering to points on the security strands, and are cut at selected locations to provide a sinuous electrical path through the screen. A spline of insulative material extends around the border of the mesh sheet and encapsulates the locations where the cross wire is joined to the security strands, the spline including upper and lower spline portions lying on opposite faces of the mesh and sealed together through the mesh. A frame for holding the screen includes a pair of frame halves that snap together, with the lower half having an undercut slot that receives a flange at the periphery of the spline, the lower frame half also having a stop surface opposite the undercut slot which abuts the inner edge of the spline.