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:
An actuating mechanism for sliding doors provided on the passenger side of conventional panel-type trucks, commonly called vans, is intended to be either installed in the vehicle at the time of its original manufacture, or installed at any later time, without substantial modification of the vehicle. A winch assembly (44) including two separate winding drums (74, 86) on a common shaft (87) and driven by the shaft through springs (162, 174) and a positive driver (170), is mounted over the rear wheel well of such a vehicle. A guide assembly (50) including a pulley (54) and a pivoting guide member (62) is installed in an aperture cut in the door frame. A single pulley (56) is installed at the lower rear corner of the door opening, and a guide tube (58) is installed in the door. A flexible cable (52) is connected to an arm added to the latch operating mechanism, and extends through the guide tube (58), around the pulley (56), through the guiding assembly (50) to the winch assembly (44), for opening the door. A second cable (60) is attached to the rear edge of the door, passed around the pivoting guide (62) of the guide assembly, and fastened to the winch assembly (44) for closing the door. As the door closes, the pivoting guide (62) guides the flexible cable (60) to a position perpendicular to the rear edge of the door to pull the rear edge of the door into latched position. A switch (55) operated by the pivoting guide (62) connects an additional winding on an electric motor (138) to provide a high force for latching the door, allowing low force to be used for sliding the door to reduce the chance of personal injuries while closing the door.
Abstract:
An improved gate opening and closing apparatus which is designed to shift a gate from an opened position to a closed position and from the closed position to the opened position with respect to an access opening and which preferably shifts the gate in a linear path with respect to the access opening. The apparatus generally comprises a housing which may contain a gear drive along with a motor, such as an electric motor. The motor, through the gear drive, may rotate a drive member, such as a drive wheel, which is operatively connected to the motor and which drive member is capable of being operatively connected to a gate for causing shifting movement of the gate. The apparatus is also provided with a locking mechanism associated with the drive member to prevent movement of the gate when the motive means is not energized. In like manner, the locking mechanism is designed to automatically open or shift to the unlocked position when the motor is energized so that the drive member, powered by the motor, may cause the gate to shift between the open and closed positions. The apparatus further comprises a manually operable release member which is connected to the locking mechanism and to the drive member such that the manually operable release member when operated opens the locking mechanism and substantially simultaneously operatively disconnects the drive member from the motor. In this way, it is possible to override the drive mechanism in the event of an emergency condition such as a power failure or the like.
Abstract:
A folding bracket mechanism having a first brace member pivotally connected to a first brace support member, a second brace member pivotally connected to a second brace support member and a supported member pivotally connected to the ends of the first brace member and the second brace member at points spaced different distances from one end of the support member. The folding bracket mechanism in use is movable between a first position having the second brace member perpendicular to a line through the brace support members and a second position having the brace members parallel to the brace support members.
Abstract:
Door operator for a transit vehicle including a primary linkage device for driving the door between open and closed positions and for monitoring door position and a secondary linkage device for monitoring door position. Additionally, a device is provided for locking the door in closed position in association with the secondary linkage device.
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:
A door operating device having two identical sets of rollers spaced from one another along a guide rail. Each set of rollers has a roller engaging a surface of the guide rail, and another, opposed roller engaging another surface of the same guide rail. A frame supported by the rollers for movement therewith has mounted thereon a reversible motor and a drive train for transmitting power from the motor to a roller of each of the roller sets. A bar connected to the frame is attached to a shock absorbing arrangement mounted on a door to be opened and closed by the device. A control system including limit switches on the frame and triggering members associated with the rail limits and reverses movement of the device along the rail.
Abstract:
A novel door latch is provided in which a catch element is secured to the inside of a door lintel and a pivotal latch finger engages and is disengaged from the catch by the operating arm which opens and closes the door.