Abstract: A barrier operator system including, method and kit described herein contemplate the use a rack and pinion drive mechanism which is mounted on tracks of the operator system such that the pinion is positioned to engage the rack which is coupled to the barrier to move the barrier along the tracks in both the upstream and downstream direction. Pre-positioning the pinion relative to the rack and using the rack and pinion drive permits coupling the rack and motor at any variety of points along the barrier to move it. Further when the barrier is an over head door, such as a garage door, the door is connected to the rack through a coupling assembly which connects the door to the rack.

Abstract: The electrical braking device according to the present invention includes a braking element (2) which is formed, on the one hand, by electric jaws (7) and at least one sliding block (8) mounted in the proximity of the brake disk (3) in such a way that the latter passes at least partially through the electric jaws (7) and sliding block (8), and, on the other hand, by means (4) for fastening the electric jaws (7) and the sliding block (8) to the fixed frame (6) while providing the jaws and block with degrees of freedom obtained by the combination of different connections of the “flat plane contact” (FC), “point contact” (PC) and “annular linear contact” (AC) types, in order to compensate for the misalignments and defects in the shape of the brake disk (3) when the latter is driven in rotation.

Abstract: A remote control system for use with a movable partition comprises a motor configured to drive movement of a movable partition of a movable partition system, a processor coupled with the motor to generate an actuation signal to control the motor, and a remote control switch coupled with the motor and configured to transmit a trigger signal to the processor in response to receiving an activation signal from a remote control key. The processor is configured to control the motor to drive the movable partition to a predetermined position along a track in response to the trigger signal. A method of driving a movable partition comprises receiving an activation signal from a remote control key, and driving the movable partition to an intermediate position along a track to provide access to user interface elements of the movable partition in response to receiving the activation signal.

Abstract: Leading end assemblies for movable partitions may include a movable trolley, a leading structure coupled to the movable trolley, a diagonal member comprising at least one movable feature enabling the leading structure to move from an initial position to a displaced position, and at least one sensor for sensing movement of the leading structure. Movable partition systems may include a leading structure suspended from a trolley and a sensor configured to sense rotation of the leading structure relative to the trolley. Methods of operating a movable partition may include moving at least a portion of a movable partition along a path from a retracted position to an extended position, rotating a leading structure of the movable partition about a coupling, using a sensor to sense rotation of the leading structure, and ceasing movement of the movable partition in response to a signal generated by the sensor.

Abstract: A garage door opening covering is provided. The covering includes a plurality of panels coupled to a support member that is coupled to the interior surfaces of a garage door. The panels are configured to deploy into the garage door opening as the garage door is opened. Likewise the panels are configured to retract out of the garage door opening as the garage door is closed. The panels are configured to wrap around, or unwind from, the support member as the support member is rotated in respective first and second directions. The panels can include weighted members on suspended ends of the panels to position and orient the panels. The weighted members can include magnetized portions that couple neighboring panels to one another at the ends. A positioning member can position the suspended and deployed panels at or near the edge of the garage door that contacts the ground surface.

Abstract: An overhead door system featuring independent, unconnected panels is described. Each panel end is operatively carried within a pair of parallel tracks. The weight of the door decreases as the door is lifted and each panel completely disengages from its adjacent panel as it reaches the stacked position. This allows for a linear spring torque to door weight relationship requiring a very small motor compared to existing designs to provide the lifting torque necessary to operate the door.

Abstract: An automatic door opener for delivery trucks may include a door opener motor, clutch, and transmission which are connected to a door opener rail. The automatic door opener is attached to the roof of a delivery truck cargo bay and the door opener motor is operable to open and close a cargo door. The clutch and motor are controlled by a motor control computer which may be programmed to automatically operate the clutch, close the cargo bay door, and disengage the clutch as desired. A rail carriage may be connected to the cargo bay door by a door connector arm which includes a quick release connection to the carriage and which may be operated from the outside of the cargo bay door. A sensor may be connected to the door opener rail and to the motor control computer such that the motor control computer tracks the position of the carriage along the door opener rail independent of the operation of the motor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting door, comprising a movable door leaf made of slats, the slats being connected to one another so as to bend, and comprising structure-mounted frames. Lateral guides for the door leaf having a vertical section and a lintel section, and frame sealing elements of a sealing assembly are arranged thereon, which close a gap between the door leaf and a section of the frames facing the door opening when the lifting door is closed. The lintel sections of the guides, together with the vertical sections of the guides, are displaceably mounted on the frames, wherein the guides can only be displaced in a direction that is diagonal to the door leaf plane, but not in a moving direction of the door leaf. Thus, an improved lifting door having greater operational safety, and at the same time an improved sealing effect between the door leaf and the door opening can be achieved.

Abstract: A drive arrangement to open and close a door curtain of an overhead sectional door. The arrangement includes a door guide track for guiding movement of the door curtain between a closed, lowered position and an open, overhead position, and a drive mechanism for driving the door curtain between the closed and open positions. The drive mechanism comprises a drive belt located to a side of the door opening, guided to follow an inverted L-shaped locus by a drive belt guide track, a linkage between the drive belt and the door curtain, and a drive motor which drives the drive belt to open and close the door curtain as the drive belt follows the locus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding door system having a frame (1, 1?, 2, 2?), which receives one or more sliding doors that, mounted in or on the frame (1, 1?, 2, 2?), can be moved horizontally along the frame (1, 1?, 2, 2?), wherein the sliding doors are constructed as folding door elements (11, 12, 13), in which two door elements (14, 15) are connected to each other in a hinged manner by means of a joint arrangement running vertically centrally between the door elements, wherein the joint arrangement can be pivoted out of the plane of the frame, such that the two door elements (14, 15) can be opened at right angles to the plane of the frame and lie flat on each other in an open position.

Abstract: Movable partition systems include a movable partition engaged with and movable along a longitudinal track and a lead drive box coupled to the movable partition and engaged with the track. The lead drive box is configured to move along the track and move the movable partition along the track. The lead drive box includes a trolley for disposition within the track, a motor coupled to the lead drive box, and a rotatable drive member coupled to the lead drive box and the motor. The rotatable drive member engages an elongated drive member extending along the track to motivate the lead drive box and the movable partition attached thereto along the track when engaged with the motor and the motor is rotating. An electronics module disposed within the lead drive box is configured for controlling operation of the motor responsive to signals originating from sources carried by the lead drive box.

Abstract: Various apparatuses, methods and systems for directionally controlling a movable partition are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus may include at least one roller assembly coupled to a portion of a movable partition. A roller element of the roller assembly may be configured to maintain contact with an adjacent surface (e.g., a floor) while the partition is displaced along a desired path even though the adjacent surface may exhibit unevenness, undulations or other substantially nonplanar surface features. In one embodiment, the apparatus may be configured to maintain a substantially constant force between the roller element and the adjacent surface. In another embodiment, the apparatus may be configured to maintain a force between the roller element and the adjacent surface substantially within a specified range. A steering actuator may also be used to select, or change, the orientation of the roller assembly with respect to the partition.

Abstract: A chassis for a barrier operator is provided. The barrier operator includes a motor and a transmission configured to cooperate with a rail system to move a barrier. The chassis includes a unibody frame having a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portion is configured to receive and secure the motor to the unibody frame. The second portion is configured to receive and secure the transmission to the unibody frame. The third portion is configured to receive and secure at least a portion of the rail system to the unibody frame. The first, second, and third portions are formed as a single, integral component.

Abstract: A vertically folding wall partition with a set of foldable panel assemblies serially and pivotally connected through a series of vertically spaced apart supports, and a moving mechanism varying a distance between opposed ends of each panel assembly following a downwardly progressing sequence starting with the uppermost panel assembly as the panel assemblies are moved from the deployed position to the folded position, and the moving mechanism varying the distance between the opposed ends of each panel assembly following an upwardly progressing sequence starting with the lowermost of the panel assemblies as the panel assemblies are moved from the folded position to the deployed position.

Abstract: A cordless window curtain includes a curtain connected between the head box and the bottom bar. A controller, a fixed unit and a movably unit are located in the head box. The movable unit is movably located between the controller and the fixed unit. Multiple driving ropes go around guide members of the movable unit and the fixed unit. The resilient rope goes over the pulley in the controller and two ends of the resilient rope are respectively connected to the controller and the fixed unit. By lifting or lowering the bottom bar, the resilient rope is activated to move the movable unit so as to pull or release the driving ropes to allow the curtain to be lifted or lowered.

Abstract: Movable partitions and systems are provided and may include accordion-style folding doors or partitions having sheets of folding panels. In one embodiment, the movable partition may include at least two hinge panels indirectly connecting adjacent folding panels. The hinge panels may have laterally spaced apart the adjacent folding panels from one another such that a compartment is formed upon retraction or folding of the sheets of folding panels. One or more control devices, such as an actuation device or a display panel, may be mounted on at least one of the hinge panels, or on the panel disposed between hinge panels such that, when the movable partition is in a retracted or folded state, the actuation devices are housed within the compartment.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a sliding overhead door operator system for an overhead door not employing a counterbalance mechanism. The operator system comprises an overhead door including first and second side edges, the door includes a plurality of hingedly connected longitudinally extending panels. Additionally, a first rodless cylinder is located adjacent the first side edge of the door and a second rodless cylinder is located adjacent the second side edge of the door. Each of the first and second cylinders includes a carriage. First and second bracket assemblies are provided such that each assembly includes a first portion secured to a respective carriage of one of the first and second rodless cylinders and a second portion secured to one of the plurality of panels. A controller is adapted to actuate the first and second rodless cylinders to move the door up and down.

Abstract: Leading end assemblies for movable partitions may include at least one sensor assembly configured to detect a force applied to a leading surface of a leading structure of the leading end assembly. Movable partition systems may include a plurality of hingedly coupled panels and a leading end assembly. The leading end assembly may include a trolley movably coupled to a track and at least one sensor assembly configured to detect movement of the leading structure relative to the trolley when the movable partition is moved from a retracted position to an extended position. Methods of operating a movable partition may include monitoring a displacement of a leading structure of a leading end assembly of the movable partition relative to another portion of the leading end assembly with a sensor assembly and ceasing movement of the movable partition in response to a signal from the sensor assembly.

Abstract: An automatic barrier operator system for operating a gate or upward acting garage door, for example, includes a controller for operating a reversible motor, a base radio frequency transmitter and a base radio frequency receiver. One or more remote control units include a radio frequency remote receiver and remote transmitter. The controller is operable to automatically close or open the barrier in response to a query signal sent from the base transmitter to the remote receiver and when the remote receiver is within range, returning a signal to effect operation of the barrier. The system is operable to effect operation or maintain the status quo of the barrier depending on the state of the barrier and a particular signal or lack of signal received by the controller from an authorized remote control unit or units. The system provides essentially hands-free automatic operation of opening and closing a garage door and the like.

Abstract: Door elements are disclosed herein. An example door element includes a first flexible door movably coupled relative to a wall between at least a first closed position to cover a first portion of a doorway, a first open position to enable a vehicle to access to the doorway, and an intermediate position to engage a first surface of the vehicle when the vehicle is adjacent the doorway. The door element also includes a second flexible door movably coupled relative to the wall between at least a second closed position to cover a second portion of the doorway, a second open position to enable the vehicle to access the second portion of the doorway, and a second intermediate position to engage a second surface of the vehicle when the vehicle is positioned adjacent the door opening, where the first and second flexible doors each deform to pivot relative to the wall.

Abstract: Movable partition systems include a drive mechanism including a motor positioned at least partially on a side of a track opposite a movable partition. Automatically movable partition systems include a movable partition movable along a track and a motor configured to move the movable partition, the motor positioned on a side of the track opposite the movable partition. Methods of installing a movable partition system include coupling a movable partition to a track, positioning a drive mechanism at least partially on a side of the track opposite the movable partition, and coupling an elongated drive member to the movable partition. Methods of moving a movable partition along a track include actuating a drive mechanism positioned at least substantially in a header recess. Drive modules for a movable partition system and other methods of installing a movable partition system including attaching a motor to a section of track are also disclosed.

Abstract: A drapery assembly extends and retracts a drape with a powered carrier. The carrier receives both a power signal and a command signal from a controller via an electrically powered surface of a drapery rod. The carrier supports a portion of the drape and moves linearly along the length of the drapery rod in response to the control signal.

Abstract: A sliding door apparatus including a plurality of slat support elements, each including force-transfer members, a movement member and slat mounting members, the slat support elements being pivotally connected to one another and arranged for the movement members to travel along a track which has at least one straight track portion and at least one curved track portion, a plurality of slats attached to the slat mounting members, and a drive mechanism arranged to impart a driving force to the force-transfer members of the slat support elements so that the movement members travel along the track and pivot with respect to each other when passing through the at least one curved track portion.

Abstract: A drive unit for a door includes a guiding device comprising guide rail and a guide element extending in a movement direction of the door. A drive device arranged inside a carriage moves back and forth along the guide rail and is engaged in the guide element. The drive unit is supplied with power via the guide rail and the guide element. Electrical plug connectors are provided on an external power source for the electrical connection of the guide element and the guide rail.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains the present disclosure pertains to a sliding overhead door operator system for an overhead door not employing a counterbalance mechanism. The operator system comprises an overhead door including first and second side edges, the door includes a plurality of hingedly connected longitudinally extending panels. Additionally, a first rodless cylinder is located adjacent the first side edge of the door and a second rodless cylinder is located adjacent the second side edge of the door. Each of the first and second cylinders includes a carriage. First and second bracket assemblies are provided such that each assembly includes a first portion secured to a respective carriage of one of the first and second rodless cylinders and a second portion secured to one of the plurality of panels. A controller is adapted to actuate the first and second rodless cylinders to move the door up and down.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for a roller curtain covering an opening defined by a frame includes a drum mounted horizontally across one side of the opening, a pair of hollow drive shafts fixed against rotation in opposite ends of the drum, and a pair of coaxial tension shaft portions fixed to the frame and received through respective hollow drive shafts. At least one coil spring is associated with each tension shaft portion, each spring having a first end fixed to a tension shaft portion and a second end fixed to the drum. A pair of drive motors are operatively connected to respective hollow drive shafts for synchronously rotating the drive shafts in order to coil a roller curtain on the drum.

Abstract: An assembly for an automatic garage door including a slide bar, a motor, and a drive assembly connected to the slide bar, and a tie connected to the garage door; the assembly including a first “C” bracket having a lower web, the first “C” bracket receiving the slide bar and the motor and drive assembly being operatively connected to the first “C” bracket for longitudinally moving the first “C” bracket; a second “C” bracket having a lower web, the second “C” bracket nestingly receiving the first “C” bracket, and the tie being further connected to the second “C” bracket; a latching mechanism incorporated within the first and second “C” brackets' lower webs, the latching mechanism being adapted for resisting movements of the first and second “C” brackets away from each other; and a third “C” bracket having lower web, the third “C” bracket nestingly receiving the second “C” bracket.

Abstract: This high speed door (1), for closing or opening an opening made in a wall, comprises a bearing structure (3, 4) to which are attached a flexible curtain (2) and a drive system (5) enabling the curtain (2) to be moved from a closed position into an open position in which the curtain (2) is concertina-folded into the top of the opening. According to the invention, the bearing structure (3, 4) comprises two U-shaped vertical uprights (3) comprising a web (9) and two flanges (10) between which the curtain (2) is folded, each upright (3) being formed of at least one one-piece section piece (6) incorporating at least one cavity (7) oriented in the longitudinal direction of the section piece (6).

Abstract: Wire supports for use with a movable partition system comprise a cantilever member configured for connection to a panel of a movable partition. A wire-supporting member through which wire may be inserted is rotatably connected to the cantilever member. Movable partition systems comprise a movable partition comprising at least two sheets of panels extending at least substantially parallel to one another and laterally distanced from one another to define an interior space between the at least two sheets of panels. At least one wire support disposed in the interior space between a proximal end and a distal end of the at least two movable partitions comprises a cantilever member secured to at least one panel of one of the movable partitions and a wire-supporting member rotatably connected to the cantilever member at least partially supporting at least one wire inserted through the wire-supporting member.

Abstract: Various apparatuses, methods and systems for directionally controlling a movable partition are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus may include at least one roller assembly coupled to a portion of a movable partition. A roller element of the roller assembly may be configured to maintain contact with an adjacent surface (e.g., a floor) while the partition is displaced along a desired path even though the adjacent surface may exhibit unevenness, undulations or other substantially nonplanar surface features. In one embodiment, the apparatus may be configured to maintain a substantially constant force between the roller element and the adjacent surface. In another embodiment, the apparatus may be configured to maintain a force between the roller element and the adjacent surface substantially within a specified range. A steering actuator may also be used to select, or change, the orientation of the roller assembly with respect to the partition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the security of closures of the type used on large trucks, and shipping or other containers wherein one or more doors are provided on an end and/or the sides of the container and are secured by vertical rods having cam-like latches at their ends that are rotatable from a first disposition in which they engage keepers to lock the doors in a closed position, and a second disposition in which they disengage the keepers to unlock the doors and allow them to swing into an open position. More specifically, the present invention relates to a monitoring assembly that attaches between the locking rod handles of the containers, senses any movement of the locking handles or the opening of the doors, and provides visual signals and/or transmitted signals as an indication of tampering.

Abstract: Movable partition systems include a movable partition coupled to and movable along a track. The movable partition may comprise at least two accordion folding sheets of panels, a motor carried by the movable partition, and at least one electronic component unit configured to control the motor. The electronic component unit may be carried by the movable partition and disposed between the sheets of folding panels. Methods of installing a movable partition system include coupling an electronic component box to a floating door jamb within a movable partition.

Abstract: A vertical modular mount for a handling door (1) includes an upper plate (18) connected to a horizontal frame (4) and more particularly to a side flange (19), a lower plate (20) connected to the ground, a central web (21) connecting the upper (18) and lower (20) plates together, a cloth (23) arranged around the upper (18) and lower (20) plates in order to define an envelope (24) on the entire height of the mount (2, 3), and a guiding device (15) defining a slide for the movement of the flexible screen (6), characterized in that each of the members (21, 23, 15) forming the mounts (2, 3) of the handling door (1) are arranged so as to impart a high resilience to the latter, i.e. a high resistance to shocks due to the elastic deformation of each of the members.

Abstract: A security device and method for a garage door opening system mounted within the dwelling, for preventing an unauthorized access to the garage door opening system from outside of the garage and mechanically disconnecting the carriage assembly of the system from the remaining part of the system by pulling the release cord toward the garage door.

Abstract: A container is provided, which includes a container main body having a loading space formed therein to load freight therein; a door opening/closing a freight doorway formed on one side of the container main body and including a first door of which one side is hinge-engaged with the container main body by a first hinge portion, and a second door of which one side is hinge-engaged with the other side of the first door by a second hinge portion; a slide rotation portion including a slide rail provided on the container main body, a movement member connected to the second door to slidably move along the slide rail, a link member connected to the movement member and an inner side surface of the second door to make the door rotate at 0 to 270 degrees around the first hinge portion, and a movement limit member connected between the movement member and one side of the link member to limit the movement of the link member; and a locking portion locking/unlocking the door with respect to the container main body.

Abstract: A hand pulling drive mechanism includes a hand drive device and a shaft connected with the hand drive device. The mechanism further includes a gear pair, a rotation propelling device connected with the shaft, and an eccentric pulling device including a shaft pin placed on the shaft and a torsion jacket pivotally connected to the shaft and rotated relative to the shaft pin. The gear pair includes a drive gear sleeved on the shaft for switching, and a follower gear secured to a motor shaft. The rotation propelling device is connected with the drive gear. The torsion jacket and the drive gear pull the torsion jacket through eccentric rotation of the shaft pin when the shaft is rotated, so that the drive gear moves in an axial direction and the follower drive engages with and disengages from the drive gear.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing an overhead door, having a door assembly for mounting to the overhead door, and an operator for securely engaging the door assembly. The operator has a chassis, and a cable reel rotatably mounted to the chassis and coupled to a main cable. When the main cable is coupled to the door assembly, as the cable reel is rotated in a first direction, the door assembly is drawn towards the operator so as to close the door. The apparatus may include a latch assembly for securing the door assembly to the operator when the door is closed, and a latch release mechanism for selectively disengaging the latch assembly so as to disengage the door assembly from the operator. The overhead door may be biased so that when the latch assembly is disengaged, the overhead door automatically opens.

Abstract: Movable partition systems include an elongated drive member with fixed, offset ends extending along a track, a partition that is automatically and manually movable along the track, the partition hanging from a trolley disposed at least partially within the track, a motor carried by the movable partition configured to drive a rotatable drive member engaged with the elongated drive member, and a clutch coupled with the motor configured to engage or disengage the rotatable drive member from the motor. Methods of moving a partition along a track include actuating a motor carried by a movable partition to drive rotation of a drive member while a clutch mechanism is engaged, and manually moving the partition along the track while the clutch mechanism is disengaged. Methods of installing a movable partition system include coupling a trolley to a rotatable drive member and placing the trolley within a channel of a track.

Abstract: Wire trolleys for use with a movable partition system comprise a wire-supporting member through which wire may be inserted. At least one roller configured for insertion into a track along which a movable partition extends is connected to the wire-supporting member. Movable partition systems comprise a track. A movable partition comprising at least two sheets of panels extending at least substantially parallel to one another and distanced from one another to define an interior space between the at least two sheets of panels are suspended from and movable along the track. At least one wire trolley located in the interior space between a proximal end and a distal end of the at least two movable partitions comprises at least one roller in rolling engagement with the track and a wire-supporting member at least partially supporting at least one wire inserted through the wire-supporting member.

Abstract: Movable partition systems may include a chain guide structure extending along a curved path. The chain guide structure may have a specified maximum width, and may include attachment flanges that project laterally from a central beam beyond laterally outward ends of chain guide members of the chain guide structure by a specified minimum distance. Overhead support systems for movable partition systems may include such chain guide structures. Methods of forming overhead support systems and movable partition systems may include stretch forming a bent chain guide structure. Methods of installing overhead support systems and movable partition systems may include inserting fasteners at least substantially perpendicularly through attachment flanges of a chain guide structure to secure the chain guide structure to an overhead structure.

Abstract: A sectional folding up garage door refers to constructions with moving sectional elements intended for closing apertures in buildings and edifices. The area of invention's application is its use as automatically operated door both for private and commercial use. A sectional folding up garage door provides the sectional panel lifting up in vertical plane, folding such panel in consecutive order by two sections inside a premise as the door is being lifting, and piling compactly inside in the top part of an aperture. The door includes a panel of sections joint one by one like an accordion, a frame and sections power mechanism.

Abstract: Partition systems comprise a track and at least one partition configured to hang from and move along the track. A control box configured to contain at least a power supply for supplying power to a drive system, a floating jamb, and a trolley configured to attach to the floating jamb and rollingly engage with the track are also included. The trolley comprises at least one frame member comprising a jamb attachment portion configured to attach to the floating jamb, a distance from the jamb attachment portion to a rearmost surface of the at least one frame member opposite an end of the at least one frame member configured to face the at least one partition being less than or equal to a thickness of the control box in a direction at least substantially parallel to a direction of movement of the trolley. At least one support roller is attached to the at least one frame member and configured to engage with the track.

Abstract: Movable partition systems may include a chain guide structure extending along a curved path. The chain guide structure may have a specified maximum width, and may include attachment flanges that project laterally from a central beam beyond laterally outward ends of chain guide members of the chain guide structure by a specified minimum distance. Overhead support systems for movable partition systems may include such chain guide structures. Methods of forming overhead support systems and movable partition systems may include stretch forming a bent chain guide structure. Methods of installing overhead support systems and movable partition systems may include inserting fasteners at least substantially perpendicularly through attachment flanges of a chain guide structure to secure the chain guide structure to an overhead structure.

Abstract: An aperture closure arrangement 10a has an aperture closure 12a formed from a plurality of panels 39 hinged together at generally horizontal axes. Each panel 39 has a runner 16a fixed near its upper edge and constrained to run in a track 31. The track 31a, 31b, 31c defines the path of the runners 16a, as the aperture closure 12a opens and closes, and therefore defines the movement of the panels 39. An elongate flexible member 22a in the form of a cable or chain is connected to the aperture closure 12a at an attachment point 24a. The elongate flexible member 22a is also connected to a drive arrangement (not shown) operable to pull open the aperture closure 12a. Guide members 30, 32 define the path of the elongate flexible member 22a between the attachment point 24a and the drive arrangement (not shown).

Abstract: A panelless shutter is provided, the panelless shutter including a window frame and a plurality of louvers horizontally mounted within the window frame in a parallel configuration, each louver having a first end and a second end. The panelless shutter also includes a louver mechanism comprising a plurality of rotatable members slideably retained within a track and a gear shaft operably coupled to each rotatable member, wherein the rotatable members are coupled to the first end of each louver of the plurality of louvers and the gear shaft rotates each of the plurality of louvers substantially simultaneously. The shutter further includes a louver retainer rotatably securing the second end of each louver of the plurality of louvers, the louver retainer allowing the rotation and vertical sliding of each louver.

Abstract: A blind structure characterized by enhanced user safety includes a blind holder, an elevating unit coupled to the blind holder, and a second shade. The blind holder includes an upper beam and a first shade coupled thereto. The elevating unit includes a batten, a transmitting member disposed at one end of the batten, and a tractional member for driving the transmitting member. The batten is movably coupled to the upper beam. The second shade has one end connected to the first shade and the other end connected to the batten. The blind structure advantageously works on the principles of: moving a second shape vertically with an elevating unit, moving a first shade vertically with the second shade, thereby dispensing with tractional cords and lifting cords and precluding the human body from being entangled with the tractional cords and lifting cords otherwise required, so as to enhance user safety.

Abstract: An architectural louver shade assembly comprising a shade canopy mounted to a rotatable central axle tube that supports a rod rib assembly to which the shade canopy is attached by adjustable tensioners that mechanically stretch and tension the fabric element of the shade canopy to remove wrinkles and sags. A wax cylinder piston attached by elements of a wax piston pressure system that changes the pitch of the shade canopy in response to temperature with a gas spring unit that returns the shade canopy to its default, horizontal orientation with decreasing temperatures. An optional manual/mechanical system that, through use of control cables, changes the pitch of the shade canopy with a gas spring unit that returns it to a default orientation. A camber cable assembly that maintains an equal compression load on the rib arm units that directly support the shade canopy, and carrier brackets that support the central axle tube and connect the louver shade assembly to a building wall.

Abstract: Door elements having FinRay structures are described herein. An example door element described herein is movable between a closed position in which the element extends across a doorway to at least partially block the doorway, and an open position where at least a portion of the element moves to a non-blocking position relative to the doorway. The door element includes a first flexible side element to transmit tensile forces and has a proximal end and a distal end. The door element includes a second flexible side element to resist compressive forces and has a proximal end and a distal end. The first and second side elements are coupled to each other at their distal ends. The element includes a plurality of connecting ribs flexibly coupled to the first and second side elements to transmit tensile forces between the first and second side elements.

Abstract: A sectional door having a door frame, a door panel comprising sections coupled to another in articulated manner, a weight equalization device coupled to the door panel, and an electrical door drive for opening and closing movements of said door panel. The uppermost section in the closed position of the door panel, is guided on running rails as the header section, wherein said rails extend essentially horizontally up to the door frame, and have a vertical end segment on the frame side. The other sections that follow below the header section are guided in guide rails that have a vertical segment along the door frame, a horizontal segment parallel to the running rail that holds the header section, and an arc that joins the two segments. With this device, the door drive is attached to one of the sections connected below the header section, and has at least one power take-off shaft having an impeller at the end. The driven impeller engages in the guide rail and moves the door panel.

Abstract: An assembly for an automatic garage door including a slide bar, a motor, and a drive assembly connected to the slide bar, and a tie connected to the garage door; the assembly including a first “C” bracket having a lower web, the first “C” bracket receiving the slide bar and the motor and drive assembly being operatively connected to the first “C” bracket for longitudinally moving the first “C” bracket; a second “C” bracket having a lower web, the second “C” bracket nestingly receiving the first “C” bracket, and the tie being further connected to the second “C” bracket; a latching mechanism incorporated within the first and second “C” brackets' lower webs, the latching mechanism being adapted for resisting movements of the first and second “C” brackets away from each other; and a third “C” bracket having lower web, the third “C” bracket nestingly receiving the second “C” bracket.