Abstract: A system for use with an autonomous working machine such as a robotic lawn mower. The system may allow communication (directly or indirectly) between the machine and a gate or other barrier opening to allow unattended or remotely-controlled passage of the machine through the gate. In some embodiments, the mower may include a vision system operable to detect unknown objects within an area adjacent to the gate.

Abstract: Improvements in a motorized microphone rail system for a musical instrument and more particularly for a percussion instrument such as a drum, marimba or similar musical instrument. The microphone system includes a vibration isolation system. A vertical or horizontal tracking system bridges across supports of a drum or marimba in a vertical or horizontal tracking system. One or more microphones are supported on the first bridging structure. The microphone(s) are positional with a drive screw that is powered by a motor. The microphone can be moved along the supporting rail to alter the sound based upon the phasing of the sound wave between the drum heads or the sound producing elements. Electronic drive and control for operating a motor that positions the microphone is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system for protect a vehicle from damage. Specifically, a non-marking protector is attached to a garage door arm to prevent damage that may occur when the rear lift hatch of a vehicle is opened and makes contact with the garage door arm. The rear lift hatch will contact one or more non-marking protectors instead, thereby ensuring no damage is caused.

Abstract: The present invention is a door opener operable to open doors of various weights, heights and widths, comprising cables attached to the door and further attached to an operation unit. The operation unit incorporates a telescoping section driven to extend and compress by the function of a fluid pump. The telescoping section comprises two or more telescoping portions. The extension of at least one telescoping portion creates tension in the cables and causes the door to be moved from a closed or semi-closed position to an open or semi-open position. The compression of at least one telescoping portion reduces tension in a constant or near-constant manner so that the door is caused to move from an open or semi-open position to a closed position or semi-closed position. The pump only requires power while at least one telescoping portion is extending and therefore power is only required while the door is being moved towards an open position.

Abstract: A system and method are described regarding a wireless lockbox and smart key that can be used to manage real estate tours. The key can detect its location and report its location to a remote device. If the key is moved outside a predetermined boundary set by an owner, then the key can send an alert to the remote device.

Abstract: A system and method are described regarding a wireless lockbox that can be used to manage real estate sales tours. A system can include various owners and buyers that create a searchable real estate listing. Buyers can review the list via computing device, such as a smartphone, and request home tours. Owners can review requests and approve potential buyers to tour their property. When the potential buyer approaches the property, software on their computing device can communicate via Bluetooth, or another wireless network, and unlock the wireless lockbox.

Abstract: A garage door roller system for preventing damage to a vehicle or a garage door when the garage door is opening or closing. The garage door roller system generally includes a garage door arm which is connected at an upper end thereof to a carriage of a garage door opener. A first end of a connector is connected to the garage door arm, and a second end of the connector is connected to the garage door. One or more rollers are connected to a lower end of the garage door arm, with a portion of the rollers being positioned lower than the lower end of the garage door arm. The rollers are adapted to roll across an obstruction when the garage door is opening or closing to prevent damage to the obstruction as well as the garage door arm.

Abstract: A tilt-up door for a building having an opening and a pair of substantially vertically juxtaposed channel members. The door can be pivotally coupled to carriages arranged for vertical movement along the vertically juxtaposed members. An actuator or actuators can be connected to the carriages to move the carriages along the vertically juxtaposed channel members. When the actuator or actuators are operated to move the carriages vertically along the vertically juxtaposed channel members.

Abstract: A release mechanism for selectively connecting and disconnecting a sliding power window from a movable drive block includes a release knob and a release bracket coupled with the release knob by a cable or rod. The release bracket is pivotable between a locked position and a released position by displacement of the release knob. The release bracket includes a drive block pin engageable with the movable drive block and a locking block pin engageable with a fixed locking block. The mechanism allows a boat operator to operate a sliding roof/window manually in case of power failure or the like. The mechanism enables the window to be locked in the opened or closed position, and no tools are required to release the drive or to position/lock the sliding roof/window.

Abstract: A hanger bracket is used to support at least one of a guide track rail and an opener associated with the overhead sliding door installation for a building from a superstructure of the building. The hanger includes a first part having an upper wall configured to be attached to the superstructure of the building, and a pair of spaced apart side walls depending from the upper wall and defining an open bottom. A second part is adjustable relative to the first part, and has a support member joined to a support leg depending therefrom and configured to be attached to at least one of the guide track rail and the opener. The support member is slidably supported, received and retained on the first part. The side walls are formed with guiding and supporting structure configured to slidably engage the support member thereon.

Abstract: A movable barrier system wherein the trolley system comprises at least two guiding rail portions. At least one of the guiding rail portions is supported by a support member secured to the headroom area of the building support structure. The trolley traverses the at least two guiding rail portions by a hinged coupling device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method conducted by a movable barrier gateway device is disclosed for controlling a movable barrier, comprising receiving, by a communication interface, a remote command from a remote control device to move the movable barrier, the remote command sent over a network, delaying transmission of a signal to a movable barrier controller to move the movable barrier, by a processor, for a predetermined time period after the remote command is received, detecting movement of the movable barrier within the predetermined time period by a barrier movement detector, and ignoring the remote command by the processor in response to detecting movement of the movable barrier within the predetermined time period.

Abstract: A tilt-up door for a building having an opening, a pair of substantially vertically juxtaposed members, cam surfaces extending laterally from the vertical members at the upper portion and a door sized to span the opening. The door can be pivotally coupled to carriages arranged for vertical movement along the vertical members and can have cam followers extending laterally from the upper portion of the door to contact the cam surfaces. An actuator or actuators can be connected to the carriages to move the carriages along the vertical members. When the actuator or actuators are operated to move the carriages vertically along the members the cam followers can move along the cam surfaces to tilt the door to a horizontal position as the door is moved vertically upward into an open raised position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to adapt an automatic door motor operator utilizing a photoelectric eye generating a digital pulse train of known amplitude, periodicity and duty cycle to a control signal created through the opening or closure of a moving door edge sensing device or strip which closes or opens when compressed. The invention relates to safety edges used on motorized doors to provide a conversion means to allow a sensing edge switch on the leading edge of a moving door to control a door operator control unit which expects to receive a control signal of a predetermined amplitude, period and duty cycle normally generated through use of a photo eye used to monitor obstructions within the path of the moving door. The invention allows field replacement of an obstruction protecting photo-eye sensor with an safety edge switch type device utilizing the existing door operator and the in-place power source.

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: A novel electric door opener for a garage, or equivalent structure, which uses a rail fixed at one end to a drive assembly and the other end to a mounting support, in which the drive assembly is mounted on the wall over the garage doorway with a pivotable mount, rather than the uniform practice wherein the drive assembly is suspended from the garage ceiling, thus significantly enhancing safety during installation and over the lifetime of the unit. In addition, the means whereby prior art rail type garage door openers, including their drive assemblies and overall mounting methods, are redesigned to reduce the invention to practice. The simplification of mounting hardware and process with this design makes it much easier and safer to install, remove, and replace an assembled rail type garage door opener, using only three removable pins.

Abstract: A tilt-up door for a building having an opening, a pair of substantially vertically juxtaposed members, cam surfaces extending laterally from the vertical members at the upper portion and a door sized to span the opening. The door can be pivotally coupled to carriages arranged for vertical movement along the vertical members and can have cam followers extending laterally from the upper portion of the door to contact the cam surfaces. Hydraulic actuators can be connected to the carriages to move the carriages along the vertical members. When the actuator or actuators are operated to move the carriages vertically along the members the cam followers can move along the cam surfaces to tilt the door to a horizontal position as the door is moved vertically upward into an open raised position.

Abstract: For sealing a door, a jamb interface with a specified width connects to a jamb interior face of a jamb along a longitudinal axis of the jamb interior face. The jamb interface includes a plurality of fingers with a proximal edge of each of the fingers in the range of 4 to 6.5 centimeters (cm) from an intersection of the jamb interface and a flap. Each finger has a specified finger height in the range of 1 to 1.5 cm. Each finger is separated from adjacent fingers by a specified spacing height in the range of 1 to 1.5 cm.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator (200) comprises a motor (201) having an output drive shaft that itself comprises a first end (202) and a second end (203) that is disposed opposite to the first end. The movable barrier operator also comprises a hand-operated chain hoist (204) that is connected to the second end of this output drive shaft. By one approach, the movable barrier operator also comprises a reduction mechanism (207) and a transmission (210). The reduction mechanism is disposed parallel to and laterally of the motor and comprises a movable barrier drive output (208) and an input drive shaft (209). The transmission, in turn, is disposed to couple the first end of the output drive shaft of the motor to the input drive shaft of the reduction mechanism.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a garage door is presented. An alarm system includes an antenna mounted to a garage door. A signal generator logic generates a periodic signal based on a capacitive value of the antenna. The signal generator logic also provides transmit power to the antenna that is radiated away from the garage door. A detection logic detects if there is a change in a characteristic of the periodic signal caused by movement in proximity of the garage door. Amplification logic amplifies the change of the periodic signal. Alarm detection logic determines if the change is an alarm and an alarm response logic will stop a movement of the garage door when the change is an alarm resulting from movement near the door.

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: Control devices that operate automatic door controllers and methods of operating automatic door controllers are disclosed. An embodiment of controller control device that operates with an automatic door closer includes a sensor that is attached to the door, the sensor operable to transmit data indicative of the orientation of the door. The controller also includes a receiver that is operable to receive the data from the sensor; monitor the orientation of the door based on the data received from the sensor; transmit a door closing instruction to the automatic door closer when the door orientation has been open for a first period; and pause the transmitting of door closing information to the automatic door closer for a second period when a pause input is received from a user.

Abstract: A tilt-up door for a building having an opening, a pair of substantially vertically juxtaposed members, cam surfaces extending laterally from the vertical members at the upper portion and a door sized to span the opening. The door can be pivotally coupled to carriages arranged for vertical movement along the vertical members and can have cam followers extending laterally from the upper portion of the door to contact the cam surfaces. An actuator or actuators can be connected to the carriages to move the carriages along the vertical members. When the actuator or actuators are operated to move the carriages vertically along the members the cam followers can move along the cam surfaces to tilt the door to a horizontal position as the door is moved vertically upward into an open raised position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the resent invention provide an electric motor driven door or barrier opener with a manually operable drive for use in the event of a power failure. The operator includes a manually rotatable drive wheel and manual rotation of the drive wheel effects a movement of at least one drive coupler in generally radially extending direction relative to the drive shaft to effect a drive coupling between the drive wheel and the drive shaft to input drive to permit manual opening and or closing of the door.

Abstract: A system and methods for controlling operation of hydraulic cylinders includes monitoring position of the cylinders relative to one another, and correction of misalignment of the cylinders should they become misaligned. Further, monitoring can be of a swing-type door operated using the cylinders, which can operate the door at different speeds. Further, as the door creeps open from a closed position or closed from an open position, correction is also made.

Abstract: A tilt-up door for a building having an opening, a pair of substantially vertically juxtaposed members, cam surfaces extending laterally from the vertical members at the upper portion and a door sized to span the opening. The door can be pivotally coupled to carriages arranged for vertical movement along the vertical members and can have cam followers extending laterally from the upper portion of the door to contact the cam surfaces. An actuator or actuators can be connected to the carriages to move the carriages along the vertical members. When the actuator or actuators are operated to move the carriages vertically along the members the cam followers can move along the cam surfaces to tilt the door to a horizontal position as the door is moved vertically upward into an open raised position.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to adapt a automatic door motor operator utilizing a photoelectric eye generating a digital pulse train of known amplitude, periodicity and duty cycle to a control signal created through the opening or closure of a moving door edge sensing device or strip which closes or opens when compressed. The invention relates to safety edges used on motorized doors to provide a conversion means to allow a sensing edge switch on the leading edge of a moving door to control a door operator control unit which expects to receive a control signal of a predetermined amplitude, period and duty cycle normally generated through use of a photo eye used to monitor obstructions within the path of the moving door. The invention allows field replacement of an obstruction protecting photo-eye sensor with an safety edge switch type device utilizing the existing door operator and the in-place power source.

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 door assembly including a vertically moving door to permit and prohibit access through an opening which has a top, a bottom defined by a floor, and at least two sides, the door assembly. The assembly having a door body having upper and lower portions, and being mounted proximate the opening such that the lower end portion being proximate the floor when the door is in the closed position. A protective body is configured in connection with the door so as to be moveable between a first position under at least a portion of the door body lower portion when the door is in at least a partially open position and a second storage position. The protective body having at least one debris collecting surface, and opposing ends, the protective body being configured such that debris collected on the debris collecting surface will be urged toward one of the opposed ends.

Abstract: A tilt-up door for a building having an opening, a pair of substantially vertically juxtaposed members, cam surfaces extending laterally from the vertical members at the upper portion and a door sized to span the opening. The door can be pivotally coupled to carriages arranged for vertical movement along the vertical members and can have cam followers extending laterally from the upper portion of the door to contact the cam surfaces. An actuator or actuators can be connected to the carriages to move the carriages along the vertical members. When the actuator or actuators are operated to move the carriages vertically along the members the cam followers can move along the cam surfaces to tilt the door to a horizontal position as the door is moved vertically upward into an open raised position.

Abstract: A fluid-based spring counterbalance mechanism comprising an elastic flexible fluid-based spring disposed between two surfaces is used to support some or all of the weight of a movable barrier. A linkage mechanism comprising at least one rotating rotatable shaft is configured to receive rotational motion from a jackshaft associated with the movable barrier. A translational mechanism coupled to the at least one rotating shaft and coupled to at least one of the two surfaces is configured to compress the flexible fluid-based spring between the two surfaces in response to rotation of the rotatable shaft. By compressing the fluid-based spring, the counterbalance mechanism provides a force that partially or fully supports the weight of the movable barrier.

Abstract: Drive assembly for a door, gate or barrier, having a rail or track, a trolley for connection to the door, gate or barrier, mountable to run along the rail or track, and a longitudinal drive having a chain or belt connectable in a closed loop arrangement around or within the rail or track. The trolley is provided with an engagement mechanism for selective engagement between the trolley and the longitudinal drive mechanism, whereby the engagement mechanism includes an engagement member arranged for selective movement in a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal drive and in a direction less than 45° from the plane of the loop of the longitudinal drive. The engagement member includes or cooperates with a cam part arranged for selective rotation about the engagement member, and a camming cooperation occurs between the cam part and the trolley body for converting rotation of the cam part about the engagement member into the required movement of the engagement member.

Abstract: A security kit is provided for automatic closing of a garage door after a predetermined time of garage door being open. The security kit comprises a replacement wall switch for operating the garage door operating mechanism. The replacement wall switch comprises a timer module and a sensor disposed to detect that the garage door is open or closed. The sensor is coupled to a timer input. The sensor and the timer cooperatively operate such that when the sensor detects that the garage door is closed, the timer is reset and disabled, and further cooperatively operate such that when the sensor detects that the garage door is open, the timer initiates timing a predetermined time period. The timer operates a switch at end of the predetermined time period to cause the garage door mechanism to close the garage door.

Abstract: A tilt-up door for a building having an opening including a door frame with vertical track members, cam surfaces extending laterally from the vertical tracks at the upper portion of the tracks and a door sized to span the opening. The door can be pivotally coupled with rollers disposed within the vertical tracks and cam followers extending laterally from the upper portion of the door to contact the cam surfaces. When an upwardly directed motive force acts on the door the cam followers come into engagement with the cam surface to lift the door generally vertically and then rotate the door inwardly as the door is raised into an open raised position.

Abstract: A method of powering an obstruction detector. Power is provided to an obstruction detector when a motor is executing a first movement and is suppressed to the obstruction detector when the motor is idle and when the motor is executing a second movement. The first movement moves a movable barrier towards a closed position, and the second movement moves the barrier towards an open position.

Abstract: A door operator of the fireproof door comprises a force applying end for releasing the reel of a door curtain, and a loading end for sustaining the weight of the door curtain. The rotary shaft comprises an internal (central) shaft and a plurality of external shaft coupled to each other via a clutch mechanism. The force applying end and the loading end act on the internal shaft and the external shaft respectively. A torsion spring brake mechanism is provided to resist the potential energy of the loading end by varying the inner diameter of the torsion spring so as to constantly restrain the rotary shaft from rotating, or to release the rotary shaft when the brake mechanism is subjected to an external force from the force applying end.

Abstract: The movable barrier operator 10 is a shaft-mounted movable barrier operator that operates a garage door 20. Such an operator includes a motor 22 operably connected to shaft 26 such that motor 22 may move door 20 between the open and closed position. Shaft 26 may include axle 36 and wheels 38. The movable barrier 10 further includes a rotational drive unit 46 with a sun gear 52 having an open center 49 into which the axle 36 extends. Further, the rotational drive unit may have an annularly shaped portion 47 and a removable portion 48 such that the operator 10 may be installed onto a previously mounted garage door. The movable barrier operator may also include protection plates or a finger guard 90.

Abstract: A sealing system for connecting a panel to a frame comprises a plurality of pins extending from the frame; a movable member, within the frame, including a plurality of slots; and a first seal drive system connected to the movable member. In a closed position of the panel relative to the frame, the movable member is movable between a first, unlocked position and a second, locked position, and individual ones of the plurality of pins extending through individual ones of the plurality of slots.

Abstract: A lifting and storage mechanism for storing a component in a garage using the energy of a powered garage door opening and closing system is disclosed. The lifting and storage mechanism includes a pulley system for raising and lowering the stored components and a latching mechanism having a spring latch for securing the components in a stored condition. In order to lower the stored components from a storage position, an operator initiates manual release of the spring latch or activation of an electromechanical release combined with activation of the motor of the powered garage door opening and closing system.

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 invention relates to an apparatus for a door drive, in particular for roller doors, sectional doors or the like, having a door movement element, in particular a door shaft, for the opening and closing of a door and a connection means arranged at the door movement element. In accordance with the invention, the door drive includes at least two electric motors of which one is indirectly/directly fixedly connected to the connection means arranged at the door movement element and all further electric motors are arranged radially movably around the door movement element and are connected thereto via the arranged connection means.

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: An automated vehicle cargo door system comprises a cargo door comprising a plurality of panels hingeably assembled to one another, a pair of door tracks, a plurality of wheels rollingly assembling the door to the door tracks, a drive motor, a linear motion controller operably engaged with the drive motor, and a linkage removably engaging the linear motion controller and the cargo door. A release mechanism comprises an operational component located external to a vehicle cargo area. The release mechanism is in operative communication with the linkage, wherein the linkage can be disengaged from the linear motion controller by the release mechanism, thus allowing a user to open the cargo door should the motor become inoperable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical garage door with a secondary power supply, comprising: a garage door mechanism, a driving mechanism, a power receiving device, and a controlling and boosting device. In the present invention, it mainly installs the power receiving device and the controlling and boosting device to the garage door mechanism; therefore, once the city power discontinues to supply power to the controlling device and the driving mechanism of the garage door mechanism, user may connect a car cigarette lighter power cable to the power receiving device and provide a secondary power to the power receiving device, and then the controlling and boosting device can convert the voltage value of the secondary power to a target voltage value, and then the controlling and boosting device outputs the secondary power with the target voltage value for driving the driving mechanism to operate.

Abstract: A waterproof gate includes a door frame, two side rails mounted on two opposite sides of the door frame, a waterproof door movably mounted between the two side rails, at least one sealing gasket mounted on the waterproof door, and at least one waterproof strip mounted between the waterproof door and the door frame. Thus, when the water level exceeds a preset value, the waterproof door is moved down to press the ground tightly so that the waterproof door blocks the door frame so as to provide a waterproof effect to the door frame.

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: A movable barrier operator system operational component includes an integral display comprising at least one of a numeric display, an alphanumeric display, and a graphics display. The display can comprise an active display or an active interactive display and can further operate in conjunction with adjacent user-input interface opportunities. So configured, numerous user interface events can be highly leveraged to contribute to ease of installation and ease and reliability of use.

Abstract: A pulley assembly for an overhead counter weight door features a base plate and a support arrangement carried on and spaced from the base plate so that the base and support arrangements face toward one another. A shaft is carried on the base plate and the support arrangement to extend therebetween with a pulley supported on the shaft between the base plate and the support arrangement for rotation about an axis defined by the shaft. A plurality of wall sections extends between the base plate and the support arrangement to establish connection therebetween radially outward from the shaft beyond an outer periphery of the pulley on more than two sides thereof.

Abstract: A system and methods for controlling operation of hydraulic cylinders includes monitoring position of the cylinders relative to one another, and correction of misalignment of the cylinders should they become misaligned. Further, monitoring can be of a swing-type door operated using the cylinders, which can operate the door at different speeds. Further, as the door creeps open from a closed position or closed from an open position, correction is also made.

Abstract: A tilt-up door for a building having an opening including a door frame with vertical track members, cam surfaces extending laterally from the vertical tracks at the upper portion of the tracks and a door sized to span the opening. The door can be pivotally coupled with rollers disposed within the vertical tracks and cam followers extending laterally from the upper portion of the door to contact the cam surfaces. When an upwardly directed motive force acts on the door the cam followers come into engagement with the cam surface to lift the door generally vertically and then rotate the door inwardly as the door is raised into an open raised position.