Abstract: An awning control system for providing automatic retraction of one or more awnings by detection of motion of an awning lead rail generally includes a sensing circuit for providing a radio frequency signal, is receivable by one or more awning motors for retracting corresponding awnings into corresponding awning cassettes upon receipt of a deflection signal. The deflection signal is provided by a motion detector connected to an awning header.

Abstract: Automated shade systems comprise motorized window coverings, sensors, and controllers that use algorithms to control operation of the automated shade control system. These algorithms may include information such as: 3-D models of a building and surrounding structures, shadow information, reflectance information, lighting and radiation information, ASHRAE clear sky algorithms, log information related to manual overrides, occupant preference information, motion information, real-time sky conditions, solar radiation on a building, a total foot-candle load on a structure, brightness overrides, actual and/or calculated BTU load, time-of-year information, and microclimate analysis.

Abstract: A motorized window treatment to automatically control the position of a covering material in front of a window to save energy. The motorized window treatment has an eco-mode whereby to at least one climate characteristic is measured by a sensor to save energy by decreasing the load on a heating and/or cooling system of the room in which the motorized window treatment is installed. The motorized window treatment opens the covering material on sunny winter days to allow energy from sunlight to be stored in the mass of the room, and closes the covering material at night to insulate the room and allow the energy from the sunlight stored in the mass of the room to heat the room and reduce the load on the heating and cooling system at night.

Abstract: The present invention is a device that provides protection for a window from exterior fires which might ignite combustibles by radiation through the glass and/or break the glass and allow direct flame impingement, and also operates as a non-solid shutter or shade allowing privacy and shade. The shutter consists of metal or other noncombustible screen, mesh or slats spaced or pierced so that they allow some light to penetrate for shade control but protect the window glass from heat radiation and flying debris created by an external firestorm. The shutter can be raised and lowered manually, or with mechanical assistance, as by means of a chain lift or other roll-up/down mechanism for shade and privacy control, but will drop (close) automatically when released by a fusible link of the appropriate temperature setting to provide the fire protection.

Abstract: A door system includes a support connected to a structure, and a door mounted on the support and movable relative to the support between an opened position and a closed position. The door includes a detection device and a remote module coupled to the detection device. The remote module includes a battery and an RF module for supporting two-way communication and sending signals indicative of the status of the detection device and the battery. The door system also includes a motor to drive the door, and a controller to control the motor. The controller includes a user interface and a memory. The door system also includes a base module coupled to the controller for receiving signals from the remote module. The received signals are indicative of the status of the detection device and the battery. The base module also sends signals related to successful transmission acknowledgements to the remote module.

Abstract: Methods of deploying and stowing a cover coupled to an actuator comprising active material, includes the steps of heating the material with an external heat source, so as to cause a change in physical property and deploying the cover due to the change, and preferably includes accelerating the heating of the material by focusing the energy of the source with a lens or prism, engaging the cover with an input device and retracting the cover upon input, releasing stored energy as a result of the change, or further deploying the cover by use of a ratcheting mechanism, use of a timer for delayed actuation, use of a sensor configured to determine a condition, such as an opened door or the presence of an occupant, interconnecting to a windshield wiper, immersing the actuator in a heated fluid, and conduction heating the actuator through contact with a heated panel.

Abstract: There is described a horizontally slidable self-closing screen assembly which comprises at least one screen material connected to a roller biasing the screen to an open position, the roller being operably connected to a counterweight and wherein the load provided by the weight is greater than the force provided by the roller biasing the screen. There are also described a housing unit containing the slidable screen assembly and a cabinet fitted with such a housing unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the automatic adjustment of window coverings and the like, receiving externally-broadcast time-and-date signal as a temporal reference for making scheduled adjustments to the window covering. One embodiment comprises an antenna, a conventional broadcast time signal receiver/decoder, a motorized adjustable window covering, a conventional microcontroller with non-volatile memory, and human-operated controls for on-demand adjustments and memory commands. The broadcast time signal provides high reliability, high precision timing control, which allows synchronization of multiple units in separate windows, without the need for a central control system. Some embodiments of the invention have a learning function which is operated by making an adjustment in a conventional, familiar manner, combined with a learn command.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fast door comprising: a structure having in particular two posts (3) in each of which is provided a slide rail (16) and a transverse lintel-forming element (4), and a flexible curtain (12) connected to the structure at the lintel-forming element (4) via electromechanical means controlling the lowering and lifting of the curtain (12), the curtain (12) incorporating at least one flexible reinforcing bar (13, 29) inserted in receiving means provided in the curtain (12), the flexible reinforcing bar (13, 29) capable of being engaged at its ends in each of the slide rails (16) and capable of bending to be released at least from one rail (16) without being subjected to permanent deformation which would impair the operation of the door once reinstalled in its rails.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for driving a roller-shutter door having a drive mechanism. The method comprises the activation of a circuit in response to an external stimuli to a switch. This actuates a timer and raises a timing bar. A cable passes across the timing bar and is connected to the switch on one end and to a solenoid on a second end. The cable passes through a top portion of a rocker arm assembly having a one-way bearing. The solenoid is actuated as a result of the raising of the timing bar; and activates the one-way bearing to cause the door to be raised to a pre-set position for a pre-set period of time. To reverse the door, the timer bar is dropped after the lapse of the pre-set period of time. The solenoid is re-activated and reverses the one-way bearing.

Abstract: A method for operating a motorized solar protection home automation installation, comprising: an actuator intended to unfold and fold up a fabric, comprising a motor and a motor control module, and a panel of photovoltaic cells that is fixed or mobile under the effect of the actuator, intended to supply energy to recharge a reserve of electrical energy powering the actuator, the operating method comprising the following automatic steps: determination of a criterion for recharging the energy reserve, if the criterion is satisfied, displacement of the panel of photovoltaic cells or of the fabric to a recharging position in which the panel is exposed directly or by reflection to the solar rays to recharge the energy reserve.

Abstract: A mobile partitioning wall including a plurality of independently displaceable wall elements. Each wall element has vertically movable connecting profiles and a control unit to control at least one drive of the connecting profiles. In a braced position the connecting profiles are braced between the floor and the ceiling, and in an open position, the connecting profiles are disposed at the wall element. When unlocking the mobile partitioning wall the wall elements are sequentially transferable from the bracing position into the open position. The control units are connected in parallel to an electrical voltage source in such that, in the braced position the control units are charged with a working voltage. A signal element is able to transmit a first unlocking signal for unlocking a first wall element and after unlocking a first wall element the signal element generates a second unlocking signal for a second wall element.

Abstract: The present invention is a device that provides protection for a window from exterior fires which might ignite combustibles by radiation through the glass and/or break the glass and allow direct flame impingement, and also operates as a non-solid shutter or shade allowing privacy and shade. The shutter consists of metal or other noncombustible screen, mesh or slats spaced or pierced so that they allow some light to penetrate for shade control but protect the window glass from heat radiation and flying debris created by an external firestorm. The shutter can be raised and lowered manually, or with mechanical assistance, as by means of a chain lift or other roll-up/down mechanism for shade and privacy control, but will drop (close) automatically when released by a fusible link of the appropriate temperature setting to provide the fire protection.

Abstract: Movable partition systems include a movable partition and an intumescent material positioned to seal a gap at a periphery of the partition. In some embodiments, masses of intumescent material may be shaped and positioned to expand toward one another, contact one another, and form a seal therebetween at a periphery of the partition when the movable partition is exposed to fire. A fire barrier may be provided by extending a partition along a track assembly, and heating an intumescent material to cause the intumescent material to expand, char, and form a seal extending along at least a portion of a periphery of the movable partition. Upon installing a movable partition, at least one mass of intumescent material may be positioned to seal at least a section of a gap at a periphery of the movable partition when the at least one mass of intumescent material is exposed to fire.

Abstract: The invention relates to the recovery of the potential energy from the apron of a roller blind including driving means provided with a motor connected to autonomous supply means during the expansion or retraction phase of the apron. More particularly, during the expansion or retraction phase of the apron, the method comprises determining an energy recovery phase corresponding to a motor torque applied by the apron on the driving means. The invention also allows energy recovery without damaging the components of said blind.

Abstract: A door hoist includes a bracket, drive sprocket, ring gear, hub assembly, set of planetary gears, and governor shaft. The drive sprocket has a drive sprocket axis. The ring gear is fastened to the drive sprocket. The ring gear has a ring gear axis that is in alignment with the drive sprocket axis. The hub assembly includes a connector to receive a door drive shaft and secure the door drive shaft in a fixed rotational alignment with the hub assembly. The set of planetary gears is rotationally mounted to the hub assembly. The set of planetary gears is configured to mate with the ring gear. The governor shaft includes a sun gear, brake assembly, and link. The sun gear is configured to mate with the set of planetary gears. The brake assembly has an engaged position and a disengaged position. The sun gear is rotationally fixed relative to the bracket in response to the brake assembly being in the engaged position.

Abstract: This fast door (1) being able to close off an opening made in a partition comprises: a structure having notably two vertical uprights (3) in each of which a slide (5) is arranged, and a top horizontal element forming a lintel, and a flexible screen (12) connected to the structure at the element forming a lintel by electromechanical means controlling the lowering and the raising of the screen (12), control means for controlling the electromechanical means controlling the movement of the screen (12).

Abstract: A pet door unit allowing entry to and egress from a dwelling of an animal includes a pet door provided with a latch. The pet door is mounted for movement to allow passage of an animal when the latch is disabled. The pet door unit includes an animal detector for detecting an animal seeking passage past the pet door. A controller allows selection of a permitted passage condition. A disabler selectively disables the latch. Other arrangements described include systems for controlling entry and exit for different animals in different time frames, systems that detect an animal by a tag carried by the animal, systems that detect a door, systems that detect whether an animal has actually passed through the door and in which direction, and systems that record time and direction of passage, a preferred coil geometry for tag detection, and a preferred latch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for detecting an obstacle and limiting the force from the primary edge or sill nosing (10) of a flexible apron or curtain (5) in a goods-handling door (1) when the latter comes into contact with an obstacle (14) as it is being closed. The inventive device comprises safety cells (21, 22) which are positioned and fixed close to each guiding device (8) such as to emit a beam F that is directed along a vertical axis outside of the guide (15) so that the beam is interrupted upon deformation of the flexible curtain or apron (5).

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: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for providing battery-backed power to movable partitions are disclosed. A power converter generates a DC output from an AC input. The DC output may be selectively decoupled from an enabled DC output such that the DC output can be monitored for acceptable operation in-situ. The enabled DC output may be selectively coupled to a battery output terminal. A charge current may be sensed between the enabled DC output and the battery output to control charging of the battery with a pulse-width modulation operation by controlling the selective coupling of the enabled DC output to the battery output. The enabled DC output and the battery output are coupled in a logical-or configuration to generate a supply output providing current from the enabled DC output and the battery. The supply output may drive a movable partition controller and a motor configured for opening and closing a movable partition.

Abstract: There is provided an active brake release device attached to the exterior of a door controller having a first electromagnet, in which a sliding portion can slide to activate a sliding bar when the first electromagnet is energized; a first and a second actuator, in which the first actuator is located to abut against the break release bar of the door controller, and a sliding pin of the first actuator is yieldingly biased in the anti-activation direction of the bar; and, the second actuator is limited by a limit means at a fixed position; a second electromagnet, which is used to release the second actuator when the second electromagnet is energized; and a circuit, which includes a limit-switch for switching on the first electromagnet upon resetting of the device and a capacitor which is used to temporarily supply power to the second electromagnet in an event of unexpected electricity failure.

Abstract: Automated shade systems comprise motorized window coverings, sensors, and controllers that use algorithms to control operation of the automated shade control system. These algorithms may include information such as: 3-D models of a building and surrounding structures, shadow information, reflectance information, lighting and radiation information, ASHRAE clear sky algorithms, log information related to manual overrides, occupant preference information, motion information, real-time sky conditions, solar radiation on a building, a total foot-candle load on a structure, brightness overrides, actual and/or calculated BTU load, time-of-year information, and microclimate analysis.

Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening includes a fabric adapted to be extended across the opening or retracted adjacent one side of the opening. The fabric has one fixed edge along one side of the opening and an opposite movable edge. The movable edge is guided by a flexible metal tape disposed in a generally Z-shaped configuration that extends slidably along the movable edge of the fabric and in opposite perpendicular directions at opposite ends of the movable edge for variable lengths.

Abstract: The device has at least one controllable divider element including a drive assembly guided within a track, the drive assembly being driven by an electric motor which is controllable by a central control unit and a local control unit, which units exchange data through an electric line located in the track and functioning as the power supply for the electric motor. According to the invention, a first direct voltage is provided in the central control unit, the voltage being connectable to the power supply line through a central switch which is actuated as a function of the data to be transmitted between the central and local control units, whereby, when the switch is opened, data are able to be transmitted from the local control unit to the central control unit. In addition, an especially advantageous initialization of the device is possible based on the method according to the invention.

Abstract: An electronically-controlled roll-up window shade that can easily be installed by a homeowner or general handyman is disclosed. The motorized shade includes an internal power source, a motor, and a communication system to allow for remote control of the motorized shade. One or more motorized shades can be controlled singly or as a group. In one embodiment, the motorized shades are used in connection with a zoned or non-zoned HVAC system to reduce energy usage. In one embodiment, the motorized shade is configured to have a size and form-factor that conforms to a standard manually-controlled motorized shade. In one embodiment, a group controller is configured to provide thermostat information to the motorized shade. In one embodiment, the group controller communicates with a central monitoring system that coordinates operation of one or more motorized shades. In one embodiment, the internal power source of the motorized shade is recharged by a solar cell.

Abstract: A layered blinds device having a series of screens of evenly spaced rods held in parallel relation to one another that allow users to manipulate light penetration and view transparency as independent variables and a method for doing the same. A spacing mechanism adjusts the spacing between the screens which controls the light penetration while an alignment mechanism adjusts the alignment of the rods which controls the view transparency. The blinds can be adjusted manually or by a tracking system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a garage door opener in which a plurality of main rail segments are pivotably connected. The pivotable connection allows at least a portion of the main rail segments to be folded. When secured in a non-folded orientation, the plurality of main rail members form a main rail. The distal end of the main rail may be operably connected to a motor. The proximate end of a main rail may be operably attached to an adjustment system that includes a housing and an adjustment member. The housing may be operably attached to a pinion that engages at least a portion of a drive component. Manipulation of the adjustment member may move the pinion towards or away from the adjacent main rail, thereby either pulling or relaxing the engagement between the pinion and the drive component, and thus adjusting tension in the drive component.

Abstract: The motorized blind (4) device (1) with orientable slats (5) comprises an orders transmitter (2) and an orders receiver (6) which is attached to the motorized blind, the orders transmitter (2) comprising a first control interface (2a) and a second control interface (2b). This device is one which comprises means of interpretation for differentiating between the orders to translate and to orient the slats on the basis of the actions performed on the two control interfaces, in which the second control interface (2b) comprises an element (14) that can be moved in two opposite senses along substantially one and the same first direction and in which two electric contacts are respectively actuatable by movement of the element (14) in the first sense and in the second sense. Such a device is simple, inexpensive, multi-purpose and its ergonomics for orienting the slats is intuitive.

Abstract: A fire door control system permits user input during regular use and during alarm conditions. The system utilizes primary and secondary power sources and incorporates a variety of preventive safeguards assuring that functionality of the fire door control system will not be lost. The system utilizes primary power when possible in all alarm conditions. However, during alarm conditions when primary power is lost or when a hand crank hoist remains dangerously engaged, the system is bumplessly connected to a secondary power source and a fire door of the system is closed with the aid of a clutch that directly connects the drive input with an axle that supports the fire door. The clutch pulses on and off to control the descent of the door. The system includes an electronic controller for coordinating the operation of elements of the system and for implementing a method of controlling a fire door system.

Abstract: A door system includes an antenna-based proximity sensor with a releasable electrical connector that enables the sensor to function with a breakaway feature of the door. The sensor includes a signal generator and a door-mounted antenna for sensing a body or an obstruction near the door. The signal generator (or oscillator) can be installed at various locations between a power source and the antenna. In some cases, the wiring between the antenna and the power source includes a rotatable feature to accommodate the rotation of a drum that carries a wrap-up, pliable door panel. The rotatable feature may be a rotatable electrical connector, or it may be a wire having sufficient length and flexibility to twist about itself within the hollow interior of the drum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a shading and ventilation position of a a roller blind. The method including steps of identifying the final slat position in which the bottom slat is at the limit of contact with the bottom end stop of the blind, assigning to this final slat position a data defining the position, and calculating a shading and ventilation position data defining the shading and ventilation position from the data of the final slat position. The method also includes steps of storing the shading and ventilation position data in a shading and ventilation position memory. The method enabling storing of the best shading and ventilation position without necessitating the storage in memory at the site of manufacture.

Abstract: A door system includes an antenna-based proximity sensor with a releasable electrical connector that enables the sensor to function with a breakaway feature of the door. The sensor includes a signal generator and a door-mounted antenna for sensing a body or an obstruction near the door. The signal generator (or oscillator) can be installed at various locations between a power source and the antenna. In some cases, the wiring between the antenna and the power source includes a rotatable feature to accommodate the rotation of a drum that carries a wrap-up, pliable door panel. The rotatable feature may be a rotatable electrical connector, or it may be a wire having sufficient length and flexibility to twist about itself within the hollow interior of the drum.

Abstract: An impact sensing system for a powered roll-up door combines an electrical switch and a breakaway coupling. To avoid damage or injury resulting from the door's roll-up curtain accidentally closing upon an obstacle or something striking the curtain, the breakaway coupling responds to such a collision by breaking away, which releases a lower portion of the curtain from between its two vertical guide tracks. Each breakaway coupling includes a set of electrical contacts that make or break in response to the coupling breaking away. When the curtain's lower portion becomes effectively derailed from its guide track, the electrical contacts disable continued operation of the door to prevent the door's drive motor from jamming the curtain. In some embodiments, the breakaway coupling is releasably held together by way of magnetic attraction between two coupling segments, with one electrical contact on each segment to comprise one set of functional contacts.

Abstract: This invention relates to a retractable and extendable awning and control system for automatically extending and retracting the awning. A front of an awning fabric is attached to a front bar, movably mounted on a wall of a building by retractable arms. A rear of the fabric is unrolled from a roll when the arms move the front bar away from the wall. The awning also features a weather sensor unit on its front bar in wireless communication with an indoor control unit. The weather sensor unit can detect excessive wind, mechanical shocks, sunlight, and rain. In addition, each support bracket on the awning has a screw spindle for adjusting an angle of extension of the awning from the wall with a resilient inner bushing that cushions mechanical shocks to the awning. Adhesive can also be introduced into arm ends after assembly of the arms.

Abstract: A powered panel control apparatus and method using an electric motor with a rotatable armature. The control generates time periods for a predetermined amount of angular rotation of the motor armature during one complete rotation. An average time period is computed over a predetermined number of time periods and compared with a threshold time period to determine if an obstacle is present in the path of movement of the panel. Transient counts are accumulated for increasing average time periods over a number of time period samples to detect an obstacle. A threshold for normal noise variations is adjusted upon detection of a rough road condition to compensate for the effect of rough road conditions on the powered panel control apparatus.

Abstract: An automatic door and method of operating the same. The door includes a first processor which may be located proximate a leading movable edge of the door and a second processor which is remotely located from the first processor. The first and second processors are operably coupled with a bus configured to transmit digital signals therebetween. One or more input devices may be coupled with the first processor to indicate the status of an operational parameter of the door. Operational parameters are transmitted to the second processor, which controls a drive operably coupled with the door to control the position thereof in response to such operational parameters. The second processor is configured such that, upon breakdown of communication between the first and second processors, the second processor causes the door to enter into a predetermined status.

Abstract: An impact sensing system for a powered roll-up door combines an electrical switch and a breakaway coupling. To avoid damage or injury resulting from the door's roll-up curtain accidentally closing upon an obstacle or something striking the curtain, the breakaway coupling responds to such a collision by breaking away, which releases a lower portion of the curtain from between its two vertical guide tracks. Each breakaway coupling includes a set of electrical contacts that make or break in response to the coupling breaking away. When the curtain's lower portion becomes effectively derailed from its guide track, the electrical contacts disable continued operation of the door to prevent the door's drive motor from jamming the curtain. In some embodiments, the breakaway coupling is releasably held together by way of magnetic attraction between two coupling segments, with one electrical contact on each segment to comprise one set of functional contacts.

Abstract: An accordion fire door is provided including an accordion member having interlocking panels formed of a fire retardant or fire proof material, a guide member positioned on at least one side of the accordion member for guiding the accordion member during movement between an opened position and a closed position, end locks arranged at interconnected ends of adjacent panels for maintaining panel contact and alignment, and a releasing member connected to the accordion member for releasing the accordion member in response to a predetermined condition of at least one of heat, fire, smoke, manual initiation and a drive. The panels are self hinged along the entire interlocking sides.

Abstract: A door operator and related method of setting custom limits on movable barrier travel, includes a motor for moving the movable barrier between two travel limit positions, an operator for controlling operation of the motor, and a disconnect system coupled between the motor and the operator. The disconnect system is switchable between a connected position and a disconnected position, wherein the motor can engage the operator only when the disconnect system is in the connected position. The operator is connected to a potentiometer for ascertaining movable barrier position, regardless of the position of the disconnect system, and provides position information to the operator. A travel limit is set by placing the disconnect system in the disconnected position and manually moving the door to a desired position whereupon the disconnect system is moved to the connected position so that the operator can detect a positional location to be designated as one of the travel limits.

Abstract: An impact sensing system for a powered roll-up door combines an electrical switch and a breakaway coupling. To avoid damage or injury resulting from the door's roll-up curtain accidentally closing upon an obstacle or something striking the curtain, the breakaway coupling responds to such a collision by breaking away, which releases a lower portion of the curtain from between its two vertical guide tracks. Each breakaway coupling includes a set of electrical contacts that make or break in response to the coupling breaking away. When the curtain's lower portion becomes effectively derailed from its guide track, the electrical contacts disable continued operation of the door to prevent the door's drive motor from jamming the curtain. In some embodiments, the breakaway coupling is releasably held together by way of magnetic attraction between two coupling segments, with one electrical contact on each segment to comprise one set of functional contacts.

Abstract: A quiet drapery pull system includes an elongated track that receives a master car and auxiliary cars. The track defines a pair of curved surfaces for nested receipt of roller members of the cars to facilitate linear tracking of the cars. The cars preferably include tires that are made from a resilient material to limit noises caused by rolling contact and by slipping and dragging of the tires upon contact with surface imperfections of the track. The drapery pull system preferably includes a drive belt connected to a reversible motor and to the master car for driving the master car in each of opposite directions. The drive belt is preferably made from a resilient material to limit noise associated with contact between the drive belt and drive pulley and between the belt and the track.

Abstract: An automatic positioning system for a covering for an architectural opening is disclosed herein. The system is configured to automatically adjust the position of the covering between a closed position, an open position, and one or more intermediate positions in accordance with a geographic location associated with the architectural opening and the time of day.

Abstract: An entirely passive all-optical device, referred to as an optical hard limiter, consists of alternating layers of materials having oppositely signed Kerr coefficients and substantially different linear indices of refraction, wherein the higher linear index material has the negative Kerr coefficient and the lower linear index material has the positive Kerr coefficient. The optical device has two distinct transmittance curves. Various optical devices and systems can be built from such optical hard limiters.

Abstract: A rolling door drive assembly including a final drive unit for connection to a door, whereby the door may be rotated by the final drive unit about an axis to open and close the door, a motor, a drive between the final drive unit and the motor operatively engaged with the motor, one or more drive axes about which one or more components of the drive rotate to transfer drive from the motor to the final drive unit, an actuator to bring the drive to a first configuration at which the motor is engaged to drive the final drive unit through the drive and to bring the drive to a second configuration at which the motor is disengaged from driving the final drive unit, and a resilient spring for urging the drive into one of the configurations. The actuator includes a cam rotatable about a cam axis separate from the one or more drive axes. The cam acts to set the desired configuration of the drive.

Abstract: A safety device for externally driven systems for protecting the movement of a system component against undesired collision with an object lying in the movement path of the system component is described, the system component to be monitored being capable of being moved in a guided fashion along a predetermined path (door plane ET). The movement path of a leading edge of a system component is preferably monitored by an optical beam protection, preferably on the basis of infrared beams, which protection has at least two, preferably at least three or a plurality of preferably parallel beams which are arranged staggered in the direction of movement of the system component and which are emitted on one side of the system component and received or reflected on the other side. The safety device has a safety circuit with which the movement of the system component is stopped or reversed if an obstacle is sensed in the movement path of the system component.

Abstract: A safety system for reducing the risk of a suffocation accident occurring in a grain bin is disclosed. The disclosed safety apparatus includes an electrical switch in circuit with the motor of an auger mounted in the grain bin for discharging grain therefrom. The switch has a first state wherein the switch prevents operation of the motor and a second state wherein the switch permits operation of the motor. The disclosed apparatus also includes a cover mounted adjacent the access opening for movement between a first position wherein the cover precludes human entry through the access opening and a second position wherein the cover is displaced from the first position. The switch and the cover are positioned to place the switch in the second state when the cover is in the first position and to place the switch in the first state when the cover is displaced from the first position. The apparatus is further provided with a latch for securing the cover in the first position.

Abstract: An elongated reelable shade, first and second spaced support brackets removably connected to first and second and opposite ends of said elongated reelable shade for supporting said reelable shade from a fixed support, an electrical drive motor having an output shaft for rotating said elongated reelable shade around its axis to selectively reel and unreel said shade, an electrical circuit for energizing and operating said motor, the electrical circuit including a controller coupled to and controlling the operation of said drive motor, and a coupler for removably coupling said output shaft of said motor to said first end of said elongated reelable shade, a single housing having said first bracket fixed thereto, said single housing containing and supporting said motor, said electrical circuit and said coupler, said coupler comprising an output driver which removably receives said first end of said shade with rotatable driving relationship.

Abstract: A method and apparatus according to various aspects of the present invention is configured to automatically reset a rollable fire door curtain in the raised position. In one embodiment, a brake is coupled to a rolling fire door axle by an electromechanical clutch. The fire door is pre-disposed to unroll and close the opening, however, the brake prevents the door from unrolling. When a switch, a signal, or a fusible link indicates that the fire door should close, an electromechanical circuit board sends an electrical signal to an electromechanical clutch which opens the clutch. With the clutch open, the brake is no longer coupled to the fire door and the door closes. When the switch or signal is reversed, the clutch closes, re-coupling the fire door axle to the brake. The brake allows input rotation in both directions, but prevents the rolling door from closing under its own weight. Therefore, upon raising the curtain, the fire door is automatically reset and ready to close in the event of a fire.

Abstract: A rolling barrier including a curtain formed of fabric or other material that rolls onto and off of a tube preferably disposed above a doorway or opening to, respectively, block and unblock the opening, the edges of the curtain are received within guideways disposed laterally of the curtain, and which guide the curtain edges to maintain the curtain in a planar orientation during travel; barricade members extending across the curtain (and thus the opening when the barrier is in the closed or blocking position) have their ends disposed in the guideways as well to reinforce the curtain and prevent personnel or objects from passing through the opening at least when the barrier is in the closed position. The barrier may also include a detector for detecting when the door is in or at least approaching the fully closed position and coupled to other electronics to control or regulate operation of the enclosed machine.