Abstract: A sensor apparatus for a movable barrier system having a rotatable drum and an elongate member that winds up on and pays out from an external surface of the rotatable drum. The sensor apparatus includes a base portion, a sensing portion, and a controller. The sensing portion senses a first spaced apart proximity of the elongate member relative to the sensing portion and a second spaced apart proximity of the elongate member relative to the sensing portion. The controller detects a change in the proximity of the elongate member relative to the sensing portion without the elongate member contacting the sensing portion.

Abstract: A winch is provided including a rotatable drum and a gear train drivingly connecting a motor to the rotatable drum. The gear train includes a clutch that is operable to be disengaged to allow the rotatable drum to free spool. A clutch actuator is provided for disengaging the clutch and the clutch includes a pivoting pawl having a first end that engages a clutch dog of a planetary ring gear and the clutch actuator includes an electro-magnetic solenoid having a plunger that engages a second end of the pivoting pawl.

Abstract: An elevator comprising an elevator car; a plurality of belt-shaped ropes connected to the car, each having a width larger than thickness as measured in transverse direction of the rope; and at least one rope wheel, around which the belt-shaped ropes pass; wherein the rope wheel comprises a plurality of circumferential rope contact areas distributed in axial direction thereof, one of said ropes passing against each circumferential rope contact area, the elevator further comprising a sensing arrangement for sensing displacement of one or more of said ropes, comprising a sensing member for sensing displacement of one or more of said ropes radially outwards from the rope wheel, extending in axial direction of the rope wheel along its surface at a radial distance therefrom, whereby a gap is formed between the sensing member and each rope contact area, the height of the gap being more than thickness of the belt-shaped ropes and less than 2.

Abstract: Cord reels are disclosed, which are adapted to keep electrical cords organized within a reasonable area. According to one example, a cord reel can include a fixed housing with electrical prongs protruding from one end, and a rotational housing coupled to the fixed housing. The rotational housing may be adapted to hold an electrical cord. At least one electrical receptacle adapted to receive an appliance plug, such as a standard plug or a residual current device (RCD) plug, may be mounted to the rotational housing such that the appliance plug and an immediately adjacent appliance cord will rotate at least substantially within a limited cylindrical plane. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also included.

Abstract: A spooling apparatus includes a spool for holding wire, the spool having a wire-retaining section and end plates, the end plates having one or more apertures. A conductive plate is positioned on an end plate of the spool opposite the wire-retaining section, and at least one conductive extension that extends through a corresponding aperture of the end plate such that the conductive extension is adjacent to the wire retaining section. Wire is spooled onto the wire-retaining section, at least a portion of the wire being uninsulated and in electrical contact with the conductive extensions of the conductive plate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bottom thread supply device for sewing machines. The bottom thread supply device of the present invention includes a light source (500) and a light receiving sensor (110). When the light source (500) radiates light onto a bobbin (300), around which a bottom thread is wound, if there is no remaining thread, the light receiving sensor (110), which is disposed in a central portion of a rotary hook (100), detects the light, thus generating a signal to let a user know that there is no remaining thread. As such, when there is no remaining thread, the present invention automatically lets the user know this thanks to the operation of the light receiving sensor, thus preventing unproductive or defective sewing, thereby increasing productivity and preventing economic loss.