Abstract:
The present invention relates to a hinge, in particular for pieces of furniture, with an arm fixable to the body of the piece of furniture, connected to a portion of hinge that oscillates through two equalizers housed on transversal pins, of whichnullin the portion of one of its oscillation axesnullone equalizer exhibits a projecting part forming a lever arm, and with an elastic member that stresses the projecting part of the equalizer so as to cause a thrust in the closing direction on the oscillating hinge portion. In order to obtain the slowed closing of the door, one of the equalizers is provided with a second projecting part on which a second elastic member acts so as to exert a thrust that, for an oscillation portion close to the closed position of the oscillating hinge portion contrasts the thrust exerted by the first elastic member.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus according to various aspects of the present invention is configured to automatically reset a rollable fire door curtain in the raised position. In one embodiment, a brake is coupled to a rolling fire door axle by an electromechanical clutch. The fire door is pre-disposed to unroll and close the opening, however, the brake prevents the door from unrolling. When a switch, a signal, or a fusible link indicates that the fire door should close, an electromechanical circuit board sends an electrical signal to an electromechanical clutch which opens the clutch. With the clutch open, the brake is no longer coupled to the fire door and the door closes. When the switch or signal is reversed, the clutch closes, re-coupling the fire door axle to the brake. The brake allows input rotation in both directions, but prevents the rolling door from closing under its own weight. Therefore, upon raising the curtain, the fire door is automatically reset and ready to close in the event of a fire.
Abstract:
The sudden unrolling of an motor driven overhead door is a hazardous occurrence. The invention provides a method of detection and warning of a damaged counterbalance mechanism or other defect in the door lifting assembly. The amperage readings of the drive motor are observed to increase between 5% and 30%, above that of normal operation when the function of the counterbalance assembly or similar drive assembly component is compromised. The method is reduced to practice as a number of alternative electronic circuits which are placed between the line power source and the drive motor. The circuit senses the motor amperage draw and compares the reading with a preset threshold value. Upon the sensed value exceeding the threshold value, a warning is broadcast. This method alerts one of undue strain on a damaged lifting assembly prior to its catastrophic failure.
Abstract:
A time delay release mechanism has a brake actuator including an actuation member movable between engaged and released positions. The actuation member, when in the engaged position, operatively engages a fire barrier for preventing closure thereof. The actuation member, when in the released position, is operatively disengaged from the fire barrier such that the release mechanism does not prevent closure thereof. A timer includes a magnet which is powered by voltage applied to a capacitor. The magnet is, in turn, connected to the actuator member. When power is interrupted, the capacitor disengages for a predetermined time period. At the conclusion of the time period the magnet releases the actuator which, in turn, releases the brake and causes the fire barrier to close.
Abstract:
A continuously adjustable power-actuated door lock for a motor vehicle door attachable to a motor vehicle with at least two hinges, and including a locking device connected, with a door pillar and a door and having a braking element movable between a braking position, in which the door is locked, and a release position, and a drive for displacing the braking element between the braking and release positions and including an electric motor controllable in accordance with an actual open position of the door, a direction of door movement, an instantaneous speed of the door movement, and movement characteristics of the door including door weight, inner resistance of a door attachment, with the locking device being formed integrally with one of two door attaching hinges.
Abstract:
A rolling support assembly having a carrier with a housing configured for lateral reception within a corresponding cavity in a sliding door for frictional reception therein in a manner precluding longitudinal movement out of the cavity. The carrier mounts and provides for vertical adjustment of a depending wheel set offset to underlie the center of weight of the door and engage a pair of wheel rails provided on an underlying track including rail protecting overlying flanges and/or members.
Abstract:
A garage door operator is disclosed to have a front coupling for a threaded screw of the operator and the rotor of the motor. The coupling includes a first coupling device that is a unitary coupling member with opposing recesses for receiving each of the rotor shaft and an end portion of the screw. The unitary coupling member thereby connects the screw to the motor for torque transmission from the motor. The second coupling device includes a thrust containment device that is supported on the screw, and an intermediate assembly disposed between the thrust containment device and an end portion of the guide rail of the door operator. A retainer component of the intermediate assembly restricts expansion of the thrust containment device.
Abstract:
The present invention is provided with a mechanism for controlling the opening and closing of a door comprising a speed reduction means for reducing a rotational speed. A high speed shaft is connected to the speed reduction means and is connectable to a means for rotating the input shaft, and a low speed output shaft is connected to the speed reduction means. A governor is mounted on the input shaft for limiting the rotational speed thereof, to also regulate the rotational speed of the output shaft. A brake is provided for preventing rotation of the output shaft, and a self-closing mechanism is operatively connected to the door. The self-closing mechanism is adapted for storing energy when the door is opened to an open position, and a connecting means operatively connects the output shaft to the self-closing mechanism. A releasing means is provided for releasing the brake to permit rotation of the output shaft under the urging of the self-closing mechanism whereby the self-closing mechanism releases the energy stored therein so as to close the door to a closed position when the brake is released by the releasing means.
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. A cable having one end connected to the actuator of the switch and the other end external to the case of the motor-operator allows manual opening of the switch and hence closing of the door.
Abstract:
A retraction device for automatically closing a panel, such as a door or window, after the panel has been opened. The retraction device includes a drum, a coiled spring power assembly for driving the drum, a centrifugal brake for controlling the power assembly and the drum to eliminate slamming of the panel during closing, and a gear train transmission assembly to connect the power assembly and the centrifugal brake. In one embodiment, the drum is a spool which carries a cable to connect the panel to the retraction device. In another embodiment, the drum has a rim which frictionally engages a frame supporting the panel. The centrifugal brake is adjustable to take into account a wide range of panel sizes and frictional conditions. This adjustment can be made through an aperture in the device's housing for quick and easy on-site installation. A one-way clutch mechanism is coupled between the power assembly and the brake to actuate the brake only when the panel is being retracted. This clutch mechanism is formed by two members, each of which is integrally molded of plastic.