Abstract:
A method for selective alteration and control of door movement modes utilizing an apparatus that is primarily non-hydraulic and incorporated with a known mechanism which is functional independently from the apparatus in one mode of operation and which includes a piston for controlling door closing characteristics by selected fluid flow within the mechanism. The apparatus includes a motor driven lead screw having a linearly movable shuttle unit mounted thereon, the shuttle unit being positioned relative to the piston of the mechanism to accommodate nonattached contact with the piston to urge the piston, when the shuttle unit is moved, in a direction that will at least provide selective assistance with door opening in another mode of operation. Operation of the apparatus is controlled by programming of a related controller including non-volatile memory.
Abstract:
Apparatus is are disclosed for selective alteration and control of door movement modes, the apparatus being primarily non-hydraulic and incorporated with a known mechanism which is functional independently from the apparatus in one mode of operation and which includes a piston for controlling door closing characteristics by selected fluid flow within the mechanism. The apparatus includes a motor driven lead screw having a linearly movable shuttle unit mounted thereon, the shuttle unit being positioned relative to the piston of the mechanism to accommodate nonattached contact with the piston to urge the piston, when the shuttle unit is moved, in a direction that will at least provide selective assistance with door opening in another mode of operation.
Abstract:
An automated window system and method for a building utilizes a pair of gas springs to bias a window panel outward from a corresponding frame. A force opposing the gas springs is supplied by a motor driven spindle selectively winding and unwinding a cord coupled to the window panel sash adjacent the jamb portion of the frame and window. The cord is slidably retained to the jamb portion of the window sash through a pair of threadable pulls in order to equalize the forces supplied opposing the gas springs in the event of uneven winding of the cord due to buffeting or other forces while the window panel is being moved between an "open" to a "closed" position thereof.
Abstract:
An electric motor having an electromagnetically operated clutch automatically engageable to lock the motor shaft against rotation in at least one direction. Embodiments are described in which interruption of the power to the motor causes engagement of the clutch and in which application of power to the motor causes disengagement of the clutch. Also disclosed is an automatic sliding door assembly operated by an electric motor having an electromagnetically operable clutch which is engaged on interruption of power to the motor to lock the motor shaft against rotation in one direction.
Abstract:
A home security and garage door operator system includes a gas sensor for detecting the level of toxic gas in the garage. When the gas level exceeds a predetermined threshold the garage door is automatically opened. Lock out circuitry is provided for preventing the door from being accidentally closed as long as the gas sensor detects an excessive level of toxic gas in the garage. A two button transmitter is used to sequentially close the garage door and set a security alarm subsystem. Warning devices are activated if the security alarm is attempted to be set without the garage door and windows in the home being closed. Once the security alarm has been set, the lock out circuitry also disables the garage door motor control circuitry until the security alarm is first deactivated. The transmitter generates a digital pulse train according to a preselected code, with the operation of the dual buttons changing the state of a particular control bit in the pulse train. A central control module in the garage includes a receiver with channel monitoring circuitry designed to detect the state of the control bit to initiate different functions, for example, the setting of the security alarm and the actuation of the garage door. The system further includes a heat sensor in the central control module and advantageously uses a line carrier to transmit status information regarding the monitored parameters to a remote module in the home. A maximum run timer and motor overload protection for the motor control circuitry are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Hydraulic door closer apparatus includes means for counter-balancing the bias of a return spring, to either assist in opening the door by reducing the force needed to open, or, in an alternative embodiment and mode of operation, to open the door by over-balancing the bias of the return spring. In the latter mode, a remotely manually operable switch, such as, for example, a so-called palm button, may initiate opening the door.
Abstract:
An automatic opening smoke vent door is provided which serves as a normal, self-closing exit door, and which is capable of being connected to a fire alarm circuit so that the door opens automatically in the event of a fire to allow smoke to be vented. The invention provides a member, preferably an L-shaped sub-frame, hinged to the normal door frame, and with an opening device acting between the door frame and the hinged member to urge this member from a closed position to an open position disposed at about 90.degree. to the door frame. The hinged member is normally held in the closed position by a solenoid operated latch, which is released to allow the member to open in the event of a fire. The door is itself hinged to the hinged member, and a normal door closer is connected between the hinged member and the door to allow the door to operate in the usual way when the hinged member is in the closed position.
Abstract:
In response to detection of fire, electronic means controls overload sensitive closing of a door to a protected space. The door remains closed for a short warning period and is then partially opened automatically for a predetermined period to permit escape of persons from the protected space. Upon final closing of the door, fire extinguishing means are operated within the protected space.
Abstract:
Emergency door opening system in which pressurized gas is supplied to a pneumatic door opening device through a solenoid control valve automatically opening in the event of power failure. Preferably, the gas flow is restricted downstream of the control valve to open the door at a safe rate.
Abstract:
1,029,830. Ventilators. COLT VENTILATION & HEATING Ltd. Dec. 18, 1963 [Dec. 18, 1962], No. 47843/62. Heading F4V. [Also in Divisions A5 and F2] Two hinged cover-plates of a roof ventilator are normally held closed and are automatically opened in the event of fire acting on fire-detecting means. As illustrated, the roof ventilator comprises a throat 14, fixed side baffles 23 and end plates 15, and overplates 17 hinged at 18. The plates are normally held closed by cords 27 connected to a further cord by a link which fuses in the event of fire to allow springs 26 to move the plates to the fully open position. Side openings 20 of the ventilator are controlled by closure plates 29 pivoted at 30 and biased to the closed position by springs 31. The closure plates are normally operated by pneumatic piston and cylinder assemblies 32 supplied from a common compressed air source, Fig. 6 (not shown). The air line includes a connection to atmosphere, Fig. 7 (not shown), which is normally closed but which in the event of fire opens to allow the springs 31 to close the plates 29 and also to shut off the compressed air supply. In an alternative arrangement, Fig. 8 (not shown), springs 62 bias the cover plates 17 to the open position, this bias being over-ridden by springs 60 including fusible links 61. The plates 17 may be independently operated by pneumatic cylinder and piston assemblies 63, the plates 17 being held in engagement with the piston rods 64 by the springs 60. A manual valve 43 allows compressed air from a source 40 to open the plates or connects the cylinders 63 to atmosphere to close the plates. A valve 38 similarly controls the closure plates 29. A further valve 39 in the air supply to the piston and cylinder assemblies 32 is connected to the supply to the assemblies 63 so that when valve 43 passes compressed air to open the plates 17 compressed air is allowed to escape from assemblies 32, thus closing the plates 29 and vice versa. As described above, in the event of fire, the plates 17 open and the plates 29 close. In modifications, not shown, the cover plates 17 may be biased to open by weights and the means detecting the presence of fire to open the cover plates may be a device responsive to thermal radiation, rate of charge of temperature, light or sound.