Abstract: An automatic gate arm damage prevention system includes a lift arm that is coupled to a lifting apparatus. The lift arm has an outer end, an upper side, a lower side, a first lateral side and a second lateral side. A channel extends into the outer end and the upper side so that the channel is bounded by the first and second lateral sides and the lower side. An elongated member has a first end and a second end. The first end is positioned in the channel. A pivot pin extends through the channel and through the elongated member and the lift arm to pivotally couple the elongated member to the lift arm. The second end is pivotable upwardly with respect to the lift arm.

Abstract: An emergency door opening actuator includes electrical switches that are at least one of normally open and normally closed. The electrical switches may be connected accordingly in parallel or in series to terminals of an overhead door operator. The terminals may correspond to a push button circuit, an obstruction sensing circuit, an alarm system circuit, and/or a door opening circuit. The emergency door opening actuator may take advantage of a protocol in the operator to cause the overhead door to open during an emergency condition to facilitate egress. Likewise, the emergency door opening actuator may cause that the overhead door cannot close by signaling the protocol in a predetermined way when the switches are actuated by an emergency condition. The electrical switches may be mechanically actuated when at least one fusible link is broken. The emergency door opening actuator may include an automatic mechanical stop and/or a test release mechanism.

Abstract: A door positioning mechanism with a moveable carriage driven by a motor through a lead screw, wherein the moveable carriage is connected to open and close the door by movement of the door rectilinearly along a track through the expedient of a drive train utilizing a multiple sheave and cable connection between the door and the moveable carriage. A hand disconnect is provided to disable the positioning mechanism and allow manual movement of the door. A thermal (fire switch) dead weight control is also provided to over-ride the positioning mechanism and automatically shut the door.

Abstract: A resettable fail-safe fire door release mechanism which allows normal powered operation of a fire door is disclosed. A solenoid having a first open state in the absence of an applied electric current and a second closed state in the presence of an applied electric current is incorporated into the motor-operator unit of an overhead door. Brake actuator utilizes the spring force of a normally disengaged brake to keep the brake actuator in a first position. The plunger of the solenoid acts through the brake actuator in opposition to the spring so that energizing the solenoid overcomes the force of the spring, moving the brake actuator, and engaging the brake; deenergizing the solenoid causes the spring to again disengage the brake. A normally closed switch having a mechanical actuator is wired in series with the solenoid. The melting of a fusible link releases a spring loaded plunger which depresses the actuator opening the switch.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling smoke in the event of a fire. The apparatus has a manual release arm pivotally secured to a base surface and a spring with one end attached to the base surface and the other end connected to the manual release arm. A releasing arm is pivotally connected to the base surface, and a fire linkage is pivotally secured to the base surface and releasably engages the releasing arm and the manual release arm. A bar under tension releasably engages the releasing arm such that when the releasing arm pivots and releases the bar, the bar travels away from the releasing arm due to the tension. A method for controlling smoke, or like, in the event of a fire.

Abstract: A motion transmitting remote control assembly of the type for transmitting motion in a curved path to open from a remote location at least one vent door which is held in a closed position by latches which engage the door, the assembly including core elements for transmitting linear motion along a curved path and an actuator for actuating the linear motion of the core elements. Conduits guide the path of the core elements. The core elements include a portion extending from the conduits and adapted to be operatively connected to the latches of the vent door whereby operation of the actuator actuates linear motion of the core elements to disengage the latches from the vent door.

Abstract: A wall vent preferably for use in a high-rise building is releasably opened for venting a fire in the building. The vent comprises a frame, a window or venting panel that is pivotally supported on one of its sides, means for biasing the venting panel to an open position and latch means for maintaining the panel in a closed position. The latch means may be either manually or electrically released or released upon detection of heat or smoke, and may be released either at the panel or remotely. Each wall vent is also preferably releasable to an open position from a story of the building therebelow.

Abstract: A wall vent preferably for use in a high-rise building is releasably opened for venting a fire in the building. The vent comprises a frame, a window or venting panel that is pivotally for biasing the venting panel to an open position and latch means for maintaining the panel in a closed position. The latch means may be either manually or electrically released or released upon detection of heat or smoke, and may be released either at the panel or remotely. Each wall vent is also preferably releasable to an open position from a story of the building therebelow.

Abstract: A roof vent for releasing smoke and heat from a building in the case of a fire is provided with a cover mounted on two track members for movement in the common direction of elongation of the track members which define therebetween an opening through the roof. The cover is permanently biased away from the position in which it closes the roof opening, but is normally retained in its closing position by a detent device which may be inactivated by temperature sensitive apparatus in the case of a fire. The operating elements of the vent are concealed from view and protected from the elements by being arranged under the cover member.