Abstract:
This invention relates to a fire barrier which includes a functional combination of at least one single-panel casement panel and a sliding panel which is connected or adjacent to it. The sliding panel, which can be automatically moved horizontally during normal operation, contains an auxiliary drive mechanism which, in an emergency, moves the sliding panel without an outside power source into the open position. The casement panel is moved simultaneously by a closing mechanism from its fixed or open position into the correct closed position to create or act as a barrier.
Abstract:
A door closing device including closing means for urging a door between said first open position and second closed position having a cable mounted in a housing said cable wound about periphery of a reel regulating the speed of movement of said door between the open position and closed position; a reservoir for containing viscous fluid; and a buffer for retarding the speed of movement of said door comprising an impeller immersed in the viscous fluid for use as a brake; whereby the impeller reduces rotational speed of said reel, thus reducing closing speed of said door.
Abstract:
An spring apparatus for use with an automatic swinging door closure system wherein the system includes a motor linked to a door via a gear train and a drive arm, the train including a plurality of gears including a first gear adjacent the motor, the motor driving the gears to move the door in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction and the apparatus for driving the gears in the direction opposite motor direction when motor power is cut off, the apparatus including a spring mounted within a housing which is linkable to the first gear in a first orientation to cause clockwise door movement and is linkable to the first gear in a second orientation to cause counter-clockwise door movement, the apparatus is easily modifiable so as to be configured in either of the first or second orientations and also includes a tension adjusting mechanism for adjusting spring tension.
Abstract:
An obstruction detection apparatus is provided for use in closing a power driven vent, such as a window, that is located in an opening. When the vent includes a first closing edge that moves as the vent is closed and the opening includes a second closing edge that is contacted by the first closing edge when the vent is in a fully closed position, the apparatus includes a detector configured to detect an obstruction at points all along the second closing edge without requiring contact between the obstruction and the vent and to deliver a detection signal when an obstruction is detected. A controller is connected to the detector for receiving the detection signal and delivering a corresponding alarm signal.
Abstract:
A movable barrier or garage door operator has a barrier drive for moving the movable barrier or garage door between open and closed positions. Motion of the barrier is detected by a tachometer connected to the barrier drive or by upper and lower barrier travel limit switches. A test is made to determine if the barrier has been commanded to be in a closed state and to determine if a preselected time interval has elapsed following closure of the barrier. When both of those conditions are present and the door is moved upward without authorization an alarm signal is generated and can signal the barrier drive to apply a closing force. The timer prevents the barrier from being closed on a person or obstacle during normal operation and prevents injury. An obstacle detector also prevents unwanted closure on an obstacle.
Abstract:
A pneumatic device 10 comprises a piston 12 moveable along a cylinder 10. The piston has opposite ends 18, 26 defining a space 30 therebetween. The space is divided into two chambers 30a, 30b by a housing 40 fixed relative to the cylinder and having a fluid flow control passageway 42 therethrough. The space 30 is filled with fluid, such as oil. The piston 12 is arranged such that movement thereof against a spring 16 causes the fluid to be displaced from one chamber 30a of the space 30 to the other chamber 30b through the passageway 42. The spring 16 is arranged to apply a return force to the piston 12 and the rate of return of the piston 12 is controlled by the return flow of fluid through the passageway 42. A pneumatic system 100 includes a device 10 connected between first and second members 58, 58a of a building, such as a door and door frame. The pneumatic system comprises a source of compressed gas C for operating the device 10 to enable the device 10 to move the first member 58 relative to the second member 58a, ie to open and close the door. A switching device 72 controls the supply of compressed gas to the device 10.
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. The brake actuator includes an actuation driver which, when receiving electrical power, moves the actuation member to the released position. A timer, when receiving electrical power or when power thereto is interrupted for a duration less than a predetermined time period, disengages from the actuation member allowing the actuation driver, when power thereto is initially interrupted, to move the actuation member to the engaged position. The timer engages the actuation member, when power to the timer is interrupted for a duration greater than the predetermined time period, to move the actuation member to the released position thereby overriding the actuation driver to allow closure of the fire barrier. The timer disengages from the actuation member when power to the timer is restored and the actuation driver retains the actuation member in the released position when power to the actuation driver is restored, thereby automatically resetting the brake actuator and timer.
Abstract:
A door opening/closing apparatus, which can cause quick and smooth start of movement of a sliding door in an emergency, without any possibility of breakage of the door due to quick movement, so that it can be used reliably and safely. When an operating member is released from its lock, it is pulled along with the sliding door, by a uniform force. To start movement of the operating member, a pushing member mounted on a slidable member is pushed by the spring forces of two coil springs, thus aiding the operation of pushing the operating member and permitting quick and smooth start of movement of the operating member, sliding door, etc. With the screwing of an adjustment screw, the spring force of an adjustment spring is adjusted. The adjusted spring force causes a pushing member to be pushed against a guide member via a pivotal member and a pushing member to effect adjustment of the speed of movement of the operating member for braking action.
Abstract:
A control for a power-assist feature for an hydraulic closer is driven by structure mounted on the pinion shaft of the closer. It includes a pump-activating arm slidably mounted on the shaft, the end of the arm adapted to cover a pump-on sensor when the door is `bumped`. It also includes a follower rotatably mounted near the pinion and engageable escapement-fashion by a wheel in friction fit on the pinion shaft, the follower carrying a pump-deactivating arm, the end of the latter arm adapted to move away from a pump-off sensor when the door opens to its preset limit.
Abstract:
A device for closing swinging doors of the type utilizing a rotating member to compress a spring during door opening to store energy in the spring to effect a closing of the door is provided with a driving connection to a d.c motor/generator effective to cause rotation of the motor during a closing movement of the door. The motor/generator acts as a generator during the closing with the generated electrical energy fed back to the motor/generator to retard rotation of the rotor, providing a brake on the closing movement of the door. The feedback circuitry includes a switch disabling or diminishing the braking during the final degrees of closing movement as well as a variable setting device allowing control of braking force.