Abstract: A device is disclosed that replaces an existing panel or door with a reconfigurable modular panel. The invented panel additionally may function as a working door or screen, serving to more optimally employ a room volume. The invented panel can be configured to fit various styles of door frames thus being adaptable to various entry or floor space pattern situations. The invented panel may be electrified allowing modular plug-ins to house a wide array of elements.

Abstract: A wall panel system including a retractable floor anchor for converting a wall panel assembly between a sliding configuration and a pivoting configuration. The wall panel system includes a sliding wall panel assembly and a pivoting wall panel assembly that may be configured to slide or pivot. A retractable floor anchor configured to be included in the pivoting wall panel assembly includes retractable spindle that is coupled to a base member by a linear actuator. The spindle is rotatably coupled to a door closer included in the retractable floor anchor.

Abstract: A wall panel system includes a sliding wall panel assembly that includes a pivot lock for converting the wall panel assembly between a sliding configuration and a pivoting configuration. The pivot lock includes a first lock member that is configured to selectively prevent translation of the wall panel assembly along a track and a second lock member that is configured to selectively prevent pivoting of at least a portion of the wall panel assembly relative to the track.

Abstract: A modular strip door system includes a plurality of strips, a bracket and a strip mounting member that may be assembled and placed adjacent to a door or opening. The strip mounting member is configured to retain the plurality of strips and be releasably mounted onto the bracket. The strip mounting member includes an upper channel and a lower channel configured to receive the plurality of strips. The strip mounting member further includes at least one bracket mounting aperture configured to receive at least one mounting protuberance projecting from the inner face of the bracket. In one alternate embodiment the system comprises a plurality of strips configured to be releasably mounted onto a bracket. In yet another alternate embodiment, the system comprises a strip mounting member configured to be mounted to a support surface and retain a plurality of strips.

Abstract: An industrial sliding door has one or more panel assemblies, each panel assembly having a track panel secured to a header and a swinging panel hinged at the inner edge of the track panel to pivot in either direction about a vertical axis if the swinging panel is impacted by a vehicle such as a fork lift. Both panels can also pivot in at least one direction about a horizontal axis. A rail mounted stationary relative to the doorway at the lower edge of the door holds the lower edge of the door in proximity to the doorway and is disengagable if the door is hit from the opposite side, to permit the door panel assembly to swing about the horizontal axis away from the doorway. The swinging panel is held by a detent in the plane of the track panel in a normal position.

Abstract: A furniture system is particularly adapted to support group activities in open plans, and the like. A plurality of columns support an overhead framework on the floor of a building in a freestanding fashion at a predetermined elevation, generally above average user height. A plurality of individual panels are provided, wherein each panel is constructed to permit easy, manual, bodily translation of the same by an adult user. A hanger arrangement is associated with the overhead framework, and cooperates with connectors on the panels to detachably suspend the panels at various locations along the overhead framework. The panels are manually reconfigurable between many different arrangements to efficiently and effectively support different group activities. Preferably, the panels are capable of providing a partitioning function to visually divide at least a portion of the workspace, and/or a display function to facilitate group communications.

Abstract: A counterbalance system for an upward acting door includes spaced apart wall brackets supporting a tubular shaft for spaced apart cable drums operable to wind counterbalance cables thereon to counterbalance the weight of the door. Torsion springs interconnect the cable drums and spring winder tubes sleeved over the springs and connected to the wall brackets by a winder mechanism including a support plate having spaced apart tabs adapted to register in corresponding slots formed in a wall bracket. The winder mechanism includes a worm gear drive including a ring gear which is connected to one end of the winder tube by an arrangement of radially inwardly projecting key portions in a bore of the ring gear which register with axial grooves formed in the winder tube and are adapted to slide into transverse slots intersecting the grooves. A removable lock pin is engageable with the ring gear or the worm of the worm gear drive.

Abstract: An upward acting sectional door formed of rectangular door sections which are interconnected to form a closure over a door opening. Opposed somewhat L-shaped bottom brackets are secured to opposed lower side edges of the bottom door section by fasteners which are not easily accessible for removal when the door is assembled and disposed between adjacent guide tracks. Opposed guide rollers connected to counterbalance cables are partially supported by the brackets and transfer upward lifting forces to the door through the brackets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the design of a modern theater for providing live entertainment performances. The theater comprises an auditorium which is defined in part by a modular central core which encloses a defined space. The theater further comprises a modular stage and a two-tier balcony module. The central core module, the stage and the balcony module are each supported by independent foundations and load bearing columns. The balcony module includes an upper level with open seating and a lower level with enclosed suites. The suites are designed so as not to adversely affect the acoustics of the theater. The theater also has two side wing modules for increasing the seating capacity of the theater and other modular structures abutting the central core module. The theater also includes partitions for closing part of the side wing modules and a novel jack system for supporting the acoustic panels forming the partitions when the panels are in their extended position.

Abstract: A reversing mechanism for an overhead door opener is described. The reversing mechanism includes a channel-form trolley track. A centrally positioned longitudinal slot extends for the length of a bottom of the trolley track. Side openings are provided at a first end and the second end of the trolley track. A trolley plate is positioned in the trolley track with a control arm edge extending through the slot. A chain/cable return guide having an axial chain/cable receiving passage is secured to one of the opposed faces of the trolley plate. Channel engaging guide blocks project from opposed faces of the trolley plate to engage a top and the bottom of the trolley track thereby preventing the trolley plate from being withdrawn through the slot. A chain/cable is extended through the axial chain/cable receiving passage of the chain/cable return guide, looped into the trolley track from the first end and the second end and secured to the trolley plate.

Abstract: A dual wall partition comprising, in combination, first and second generally planar panels, and hinge apparatus supporting the panels in generally parallel, generally opposed relationship, the hinge apparatus extending between the panels for permitting a range of movement of the panels relative to each other to vary the spacing therebetween from a maximum determined by the hinge apparatus to selected spacings which are less than the maximum and so that the panels remain substantially parallel throughout the range of movement.

Abstract: A folding closure having an emergency folding door therein which has a height less than the height of the closure. A folding top closure section is provided in the closure above the folding door. Means detachably connect the folding door and the folding top closure section together. The arrangement allows the folding top closure section to guide the folding door about corners when folding or unfolding the closure.

Abstract: An auto railway car having a plurality of decks is provided with a pair of folding door structures for closing the loading end of the car. The doors are hinged on spherical bearing structures and include locking mechanisms for locking the doors in open or closed positions.

Abstract: An auto railway car having a plurality of decks is provided with a pair of folding door structures for closing the loading end of the car. The doors are hinged on spherical bearing structures and include locking mechanisms for locking the doors in open or closed positions.

Abstract: A rail car having an interior cavity and an end opening for loading and unloading lading. A pair of door assemblies, each of which includes a plurality of panels, each pivotally movable with respect to the other for closing at least a portion of the end opening. Pivot means for mounting each of the door assemblies are provided to move the door assemblies between their respective open position and closed position. The pivot means are mounted for movement toward and away from the interior of the rail car to permit storage of the door assemblies within the rail car when their panels are folded back upon one another. The means for moving the pivot means include a guide means in the form of a pair of parallel racks and co-operating pinions drivingly mounted on a common manually driven shaft, one rack and co-operating pinion each at the top portion and the bottom portion of the door assembly.