Abstract:
A push-pull chain actuator (1) includes a housing with a chain exit/entry opening (4) and a sprocket (9) arranged to engage a push-pull chain (3). The sprocket (9) causes the polygon effect. The actuator includes a first chain guide part (10a) for guiding said push-pull chain (3) around the sprocket (9) and a second chain guide part (lob) for guiding said push-pull chain (3) at the correct angle between the chain exit/entry opening (4) and the sprocket (9). The second chain guide part (10b) is shaped and dimensioned to counteract the polygon effect. Alternatively, the second chain guide part (10b) can be shaped and dimensioned to reduce chain oscillations caused by the rollers (8c) engaging or disengaging the chain exit/entry opening (4) at the end of the second chain guide part (10b).
Abstract:
A window operator mountable on the frame of window having a hinged movable sash including a drive assembly for positioning the movable sash and a separately installable drive shaft for operating the drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a drive chain coupled to the movable sash of the window that extends and retracts to position the movable sash. The drive assembly can be mounted to the frame first without the drive shaft. After the window is installed, the drive shaft can be then inserted into the drive assembly and used to extend and retract the drive chain and move the movable sash. The window operator includes a drive shaft retention assembly for receiving and retaining the drive shaft once the drive shaft is inserted into the drive assembly.
Abstract:
Provided herein is a curb-mounted skylight having a rigid plastic curb frame, a mechanism for firmly securing the curb frame to an opening in a building, a transparent or translucent covering element, and a mechanism for retaining the covering element on the frame. The curb frame includes a fixed base frame (having an interior frame and a counter-flashing element) and a moveable sash frame (having an accessory shelf and a sash). The base frame and the sash frame may be connected to one another by a first hinge member integral with the counter-flashing element and a cooperative and complementary-shaped second hinge member attached to the sash. The hinge members form a watertight seal and may be disengaged to permit the sash to be removed from the skylight assembly during installation, if so desired. Because the frame and hinge components are made of plastic, the skylight assembly is relatively lightweight.
Abstract:
Provided herein is a curb-mounted skylight having a rigid plastic curb frame, a mechanism for firmly securing the curb frame to an opening in a building, a transparent or translucent covering element, and a mechanism for retaining the covering element on the frame. The curb frame includes a fixed base frame (having an interior frame and a counter-flashing element) and a moveable sash frame (having an accessory shelf and a sash). The base frame and the sash frame may be connected to one another by a first hinge member integral with the counter-flashing element and a cooperative and complementary-shaped second hinge member attached to the sash. The hinge members form a watertight seal and may be disengaged to permit the sash to be removed from the skylight assembly during installation, if so desired. Because the frame and hinge components are made of plastic, the skylight assembly is relatively lightweight.
Abstract:
A multi-link connector which is particularly suitable for use with a window operator. The multi-link connector includes a plurality of links (12) joined together by a joining arrangement (11). The links (12) include a base (13) and a pair of oppositely disposed walls (14) so that the links (12) form a generally channel shaped elongate length. The joining arrangement (11) provides a plurality of drive elements (11a) which extend transversely between the walls (14) and are accessible through a gap (16) formed between the walls.
Abstract:
A multi-strand chain forms a chain drive including at least two chains so that the chain drive may communicate a force when the chain is pushed or pulled. The chains may be separated or disengage so as to be stored compactly. The chains may be engaged to form the chain drive so that the chain drive is substantially rigid and in a linear orientation, and pivotally connected chain links may not substantially rotate relative to each other and may not be deflected substantially from the linear orientation. The chains may be engaged and disengaged by rotating around sprockets which deliver the force to the chain drive. The chain drive may be utilized as a garage door system for raising or moving laterally a garage door or movable barrier with the chain drive in compression.
Abstract:
A garage door opener is provided with a drive mechanism formed by a chain that runs in a track. The track is mounted on the platform of a mounting support that is hinged to the vehicle entry wall of a garage directly above the garage door opening. The track includes a track opening directed straight out from the vehicle entry wall. The track extends in a curve from the track opening toward the vehicle entry wall, along a first proximal straight section that lies parallel to the vehicle entry wall, around a one hundred eight degree bend, and along another distal straight section that is located parallel to and spaced from the first, proximal section. The chain is formed with large links having flat upper and lower plates. Each link has a hinged side and an unhinged side and the links are joined together at their corners along their hinged sides. The chain can only be bent in an arc that is concave inwardly toward the hinged sides of the links. A reversible drive mechanism drives the chain so that as the garage door is opened, the chain links emanate in straight linear alignment with each other from the track opening and function as a push rod that forces the top of the garage door inwardly toward the interior of the garage. When the garage door is closed, the links of the chain will flex about their corner connections and thereby follow the chain track on the platform. As the garage door approaches a closed position, a lift mechanism is actuated that rotates the platform upwardly through a small arc to allow the top of the garage door to pass therebeneath.
Abstract:
A push-pull chain garage door operator system includes a drive module and an elongated guide rail for a push-pull chain connected to a carriage assembly mounted on the guide rail. The chain is engaged with a sprocket mounted on a generally rectangular plate-like molded plastic support member which includes a serpentine idle chain storage slot formed therein. The support member is releasably connected to a stamped metal frame plate for covering the storage slot and supporting the drive module. The bottomwall of the support member supports a right angle speed reduction drive unit connected to a drive motor retained in a cradle formed by an integral boss on the support member. The motor and a starting capacitor therefor are retained in respective cradle portions of the boss by a removable retaining strap. A control circuit board is mounted on the underside of the support member and a two-part shroud for the operator mechanism is releasably secured to the frame plate.
Abstract:
An operator for opening and closing pivotal windows comprises at least two pull and pressure transferring, flexible linkage mechanisms (3,4) connected at one end to a fixture (5,6) on a frame member and at the opposite end in engagement with a driving device (12-17) mounted on the opposite main frame member (2). The driving device is common to the linkage mechanisms and is together with the parts of the linkage mechanisms engaging it mounted in a common housing (7) for receiving the entire length of the linkage mechanisms (3,4) and provided with guides (8,9) and lead-in openings (8a,9a) for the linkage mechanisms (3,4). A carrier element (10,11) in connection with the guides is via transmission elements (12-16) in the housing 87,28; 54) connected with a common driving unit (17).
Abstract:
A linear actuator has a drum, a stiff flexible ribbon wound on the drum, a device for rotating the drum at least to partially unwind the ribbon thereon, a guide funnel for gradually forming the ribbon into a tubular configuration as it comes off the drum, and an attachment device at a free end of the ribbon for connection to an object to be moved in a linear path. The actuator converts rotary motion to linear motion without the need for complex mechanical linkages.