July 31, 1956
`
`K. F. REAMEY
`DOOR OPERATING DEVICE
`Original Filed April 12, 1952
`
`2,756,990
`
`3 Sh�ets-Sheet 1
`
`-.30
`
`_f{92.
`
`!/76'
`
`

`

`July 31, 1956
`
`K.F. REAMEY
`DOOR OPERATING DEVICE
`Original Filed April 12, 1952
`
`2,756,990
`
`3 Sh�ets-Sheet 2
`
`

`

`July 31, 1956
`
`K. F. REAMEY
`DOOR OPERATING DEVICE
`Original Filed April 12, 1952
`3 Sh�ets-Sheet 3
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`

`

`January 18, 1955, Serial No. 10
`
`12 Claims. (CI. 268-59)
`
`35 circuit of either Figure 6 or Figure 9.
`
`
`
`United States Patent Office
`
`2, 756,990
`Patented July 31, 1956
`
`1
`
`2, 756,990
`
`2
`Figure 2 is a side elevation of the door operating device
`
`
`at the door end thereof with the door in closed position,
`the view showing one embodiment of the track carriage of
`the present invention;
`DOOR OPERATING DEVICE
`5
`Figure 3 is a side view, partly in section and partly in
`Kennl!th F. Reamey, Hot Springs,
`
`elevation, at the operator end of the door operating
`Ark.
`device of the present invention with the door in open
`
`Original application April 12, 1952, Serial No. 282,055,
`
`position, the view showing a second embodiment of the
`
`now Patent No. 2,703,235, dated March 1, 1955. Di·
`track carriage;
`vided and this application
`Figure 4 is a top view, partly in section and partly in
`482,468
`plan, of the operator housing and circuit means casing;
`Figure 5 is a partial side view, on an enlarged scale,
`of the motor drive shaft, the clutch means, the friction
`wheel and the cable pulley of the present invention;
`relates to improved door operat-15
`Figure 6 is a wiring diagram of one embodiment of the
`The present invention
`circuit means of the present invention;
`
`ing devices and, particularly, to electric motor driven
`
`Figure 7 is a partial vertical section of a door carrying
`
`devices for automatically opening and closing doors of
`means for effecting reversal of the motor when the door
`the overhead type commonly employed in garages.
`contacts an obstacle;
`
`The present application is a division of my copending
`Serial No. 282,055, filed April 12, 1952 which 20
`Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 7 of a second
`application
`matured as Patent No. 2,703,235 issued March 1, 1955.
`embodiment of the switch means for effecting reversal of
`It is an object of the present invention to provide an
`the motor when the door contacts an obstacle;
`Figure 9 is a wiring diagram of the circuit means within
`improved door operating device of the character referred
`
`which switches such as those shown in Figures 7 and 8
`to that is extremely economical in manufacture and
`25 are included, the diagram including external devices
`assembly so that the same may be made commercially
`adapted to be contacted by a vehicle to effect actuation
`
`available for use in private garages as well as commercial
`
`of the door operating device;
`garages.
`Figure 10 is a front view, partly in section and partly
`
`In accordance with the present invention, I provide
`
`
`in elevation, of externally located contact means adapted
`an improved door operating device comprising, briefly,
`
`30 to be engaged by vehicle carried means to comprise a
`
`
`
`a reversible electric motor adapted for operative driving
`switch for use in the circuit of Figure 9; and
`connection to a continuous cable, novel circuit means
`Figure 11 is a portion of the wiring diagram of a
`
`
`for controlling operation of the motor, and a track guided
`circuit including separate current blocking and relay
`carriage adapted to be connected to the door and adapted
`to be moved by the cable upon actuation of the cable to
`means, which means are adapted to be included in the
`open and close the door.
`Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to
`
`The novel circuit means of the present invention is
`
`
`Figure 1, a conventional type of overhead garage door is
`
`
`substantially completely enclosed in a casing and provided
`
`
`
`
`with conventional electric connectors for connection to a
`
`indicated at 20. The door 20 may be either of the sec­
`
`suitable scurce of electrical supply. The circuit means
`
`tional type or of the one piece type as desired, the operat-
`40 ing device of the present invention
`being equally adapted
`includes a switch disposed in the casing and adapted for
`for use with either type of door. As shown, the door 20
`
`of the cable to serve as a limit actuation unon actuation
`
`switch for ;topping operation of the motor as the door
`
`comprises a plurality of sections 22 hingedly connected
`approaches either limit of its movement. In one embodi­
`
`together by means of conventional hinges 24. At the
`sides thereof, the door 20 may be provided with conven-
`ment thereof, the circuit means includes a relay for auto­
`45 tiona! rollers or the like adapted to run in suitable tracks
`
`matically ceasing operation of the motor should the door
`26 for guiding movement of the door. The tracks 26 may
`encounter an obstacle. In another embodiment, means
`be suitably supported from the rafters 28 of the garage
`are provided for reversing the direction of rotation of
`the motor to retract the door should same encounter an
`by bracket means 30 or the like. The housing for the
`
`
`obstacle while being closed. In all embodiments, suitable
`door operating device of the present invention is indi-
`50 cated at 32 and mounted therein at one corner thereof is
`
`means may be provided externally of the garage for
`a casing 34 for the major components of the circuit means
`contact by the vehicle to effect automatic operation of
`of the present invention. The housing 32 may be sup­
`the device of the present invention. All of the circuit
`ported from the rafters 28 of the garage in any suitable
`
`means lend themselves to installations of use wherein a
`manner. Extending forwardly from the housing 32 is a
`
`plurality of operating devices may be actuated electrically
`55 track 36, generally similar to the tracks 26, which is
`from external means adapted to be contacted by various
`
`
`
`disposed in generally spaced parallel relation with respect
`vehicles. In a further embodiment, I provide current
`to the door when the door is in its up position and, pref­
`flow blocking means, preferably in the form of a
`
`
`erably, generally centrally of the door. At the end thereof
`
`
`
`germanium crystal, for controlling selective operation of
`
`a plurality of devices from a common vehicle contactor
`adjacent the door 20, the track 36 may be secured to
`60 the garage structure
`means. In all embodiments thereof, the circuit means of
`by a support 38. A carriage 40,
`including suitable rollers supported by the track 36, is
`
`the present invention may include a light for the interior
`of the garage adapted to be energized during opening
`
`adapted for movement longitudinally of the track in a
`manner. The carriage 40 includes an arm
`conventional
`and closing movement of the garage door and whenever
`42 extending between the carriage and the upper edge of
`
`the garage door is open, but automatically shut off when
`65 the door. The arm 42 is preferably
`rigid, but is pivotally
`the garage door is closed.
`Other objects and advantages of the present invention
`connected to at least the door so as to provide a flexible
`connection between the carriage 40 and the door. To
`
`will become apparent in the following detailed description
`of the carriage 40 along the track 36,
`effect reciprocation
`
`of preferred embodiments of the invention, wherein refer­
`a cable 44 is provided, the cable being
`continuous and
`ence is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:
`70 supported at its opposite ends by means of a pulley within
`
`Figure 1 is a perspective view of an overhead garage
`the operator housing 32 and a pulley 46 mounted at
`door having the operating device of the present invention
`
`associated therewith;
`the forward end of the track 36. The manner in which
`
`

`

`2,756,990
`
`4
`"' 1)_.?
`driving connection is established between the cable 44
`
`The track 36 is adjustably
`connected to the housing
`and the movable carriage 40 will be described in detail
`32 by means of a bolt 68 secured to the track 36 and
`
`adjustable by means of a pair of nuts 70 with respect
`hereinafter.
`Referring now to Figure 2, the pulley 41'i at the forward
`to a bracket 72 carried by the housing 32. Upon adjust-
`5 ment of the nuts 70, the tension of the cable 44 may be
`end of the track 36 is shown as suitably journaled in a
`U-shaped bracket 43 adapted to be secured to the lower
`
`varied as will become more clearly apparent as the de­
`surface of the track 36. The bracket 48 may, as shown,
`
`scription proceeds. The carriage shown in Figure 3 differs
`from the carriage shown in Figure 2 in that the same
`be suitably secured to a portion of the garage structure,
`comprises a frame 74 carrying a pair of wheels 76 dis-
`the support 38, to support the door end of the operating
`10 posed within
`and guided by the track 36. The frame 74
`device of the present invention. The carriage 40 com­
`
`prises a frame 50 which may be formed integrally with
`
`
`is provided with a sleeve portion or a bore freely accom­
`of the cable 44. As de­
`the arm 42. The frame 40 includes an axle 52 extending
`modating passage therethrough
`scribed with respect to Figure 2, the stops 56 and 58
`upwardly thereof and rotatably supporting a wheel 54
`received within the track 36. The track 36 may suitably
`
`are adjustably mounted on the cable 44 to pick up and
`15 move the frame 74 in response to actuation of the cable.
`
`be generally C-shaped in cross section so as to retain the
`connected to the carriage 74 at
`An arm 78 is pivotally
`
`
`wheel 54 therein against lateral displacement. The frame
`50 includes a sleeve portion or the like through which
`one end and at its opposite end is pivotally connected to
`one run of the cable 44 freely passes. The cable 44
`the bracket 60 by means of the pivot pin 62. To ac­
`
`commodate various types of doors and various mountings
`is provided at spaced points on opposite sides of the
`20 of the track 36 with respect to the door, the arm 78 is
`carriage 50 with a pair of stops 56 and 58 which may be
`secured to the cable 54. The stops
`
`provided with a plurality of apertures therethrough
`suitably adjustably
`adapted to accommodate passage of the pivot pin 62 so
`56 and 58 are of such size as will not pass through the
`
`
`that the arm 78 may be pivotally connected in the bracket
`sleeve portion of the frame 50 and thereby engage the
`60 in adjusted position. The arm 73 of the embodiment
`
`frame 50 to move the movable carriage along the track
`25 of the carriage shown in Figure 3 is pivoted at its op­
`36 when the cable 44 is actuated. At the forward end
`thereof, the arm 42 is pivoted to a bracket 60 suitably
`posite ends to the carriage 74 and to the bracket 60 so
`secured adjacent the top of the door 20. The pivotal
`
`as to provide for variations in the distance between the
`connection between the bracket 60 and the arm 42 is
`
`track 36 and the door 20 as the door is moved. For
`
`accomplished by a suitable pivot pin 62. A cable 64,
`
`example, in some installations, the top edge of the door
`30 will be disposed a considerable
`which is reeved over the pivot pin 62, is connected at
`distance below the track
`its upper end to the stop 56 and at its lower end may be
`
`36 when the door is in its closed position, but when the
`suitably connected to the latching means for the door
`
`door is in its open position the upper surface of the door
`20. As shown in Figure 1, the cable 64 may be con­
`
`20 will be disposed immediately adjacent the lower sur­
`
`nected directly to the operating handle 63 of a conven­
`face of the track 36. To accommodate these variations
`35 in the distance between the track and the door, the arm
`tional latching means which includes a latch 65 at each
`side of the door and operating bars, straps, or wires 67
`78 is pivoted at both ends so that the same will insure
`extending between the handle 63 and the latches 65. As
`
`operative association between the carriage and the door
`
`will be obvious, the latching means is constructed to
`
`
`without any possibility of distortion or stress being im­
`
`effect unlatching upon upward movement of the handle
`parted either to the door or to the door operating device
`40 of the present invention.
`63, the apparatus including spring means for biasing the
`As is shown in Figures 3 and 4, both runs of the
`
`handle 63, connectors 67, and latches 65 to latching posi­
`cable 44 extend through the walls of the housing 34 and
`tion upon release of the handle. The cable 64 preferably
`includes a turn buckle 66 to adjust the cable 64 to pro­
`within the housing 34, the cable 44 is reeved over a pul­
`ley 80 mounted on a shaft 82 which is journaled in the
`vide for proper actuation of the latch means of the door
`45 top and bottom walls
`20.
`of the housing 32. The shaft 82
`wheel 84 adapted to be engaged on
`In use, when the door is moved to its closed position,
`also carries a friction
`the stop 58 on the cable 54 is disposed in engagement
`
`the peripheral surface thereof by a friction sleeve 36
`motor 83. The
`with the sleeve portion of the frame 50. Accordingly,
`carried by the drive shaft of an electric
`lost motion is provided between the top 56 and the frame
`
`motor 88 is disposed on a vertical axis with the bottom
`50 portion thereof protruding through the bottom wall of
`50 before the frame 50 will be picked up and moved
`by the cable. During movement of the cable 44 to take
`
`
`the housing 32. Intermediate its ends, the motor 88 is
`up the lost motion between the carriage and the stop
`
`pivotally mounted, as at 90, to the housing 32 in such
`56, the stop 56 is moved to effect actuation of the cable
`
`manner that the weight of the motor normally biases or
`moves the friction sleeve 86 away from the friction
`64 and, thus, of the latching means for the door. Spe­
`the handle 63 is moved upwardly to release the
`55 wheel 84. Thus, when not energized,
`cifically,
`
`the friction sleeve
`latches 65 so that the door is unlatched or unlocked
`
`86 is disposed out of engagement with the friction wheel
`before any movement is imparted thereto as a result of
`84 so that the door 20 may be manually moved without
`movement of the carriage 50 along the track 36. Upon
`
`undue friction. As will be apparent, the only resistance
`to manual actuation of the door 211 would be that pro-
`
`return movement of the door, the latches will be released
`60 vided by the motor 88, so that by disposing the
`to provide a spring effected locking of the door in the
`motor
`usual manner when the door is moved to its closed posi­
`normally out of engagement with the remainder of the
`
`tion. Accordingly, my invention presents one substan­
`
`apparatus, the door may be manually actuated with ease.
`
`tial advantage in providing means for automatically un­
`
`Referring now to Figure 5, wherein the friction wheel
`86 and associated apparatus
`
`locking or unlatching the door prior to movement thereof
`84 and friction sleeve
`are
`65 shown in greater detail,
`
`and for automatically conditioning the door latch means
`the motor 88 includes an axial
`drive shaft 92 extending upwardly toward
`
`for reengagement when the door is closed so that the
`the upper wall
`32. A first sleeve 94 is secured to
`garage door may always be locked when closed without
`of the housing
`the
`
`
`requiring special actuation manually. Furthermore, the
`
`shaft 92 and extends substantially throughout the full
`attachment of the cable 64 to the door latching means
`
`length of the shaft 92. The sleeve 94, as stated, is se-
`70 cured to .the shaft
`
`in no way interferes with or hampers the ability manually
`
`92 for conjoint rotation therewith.
`to latch and unlatch, lock and unlock the door in a
`The sleeve may be formed of various types of material
`
`normal or conventional manner.
`
`as desired, but is preferably formed of wood for pur­
`Referring now to Figure 3, the operator end of the
`poses which will become more apparent hereinafter.
`Adjacent the casing of the motor 88, the wooden sleeve
`operating device of the present invention is shown, with
`"'lj 94 carries the friction sleeve 86, which is preferably
`the door 20 being shown as moved to its open positiou.
`
`

`

`2,756,990
`5
`6
`formed of rubber or the like. The sleeve 86 frictionally
`door operating devices because of the problem of estab­
`engages the wooden sleeve 94 so that the sleeve 96 will
`
`
`lishing positive driving connection between the motor and
`be rotated upon rotation of the motor shaft 92. Adja­
`
`the door actuating transmission means. In particular,
`cent the outer end of t.1-je shaft 92, the wooden sleeve
`
`
`practical devices heretofore have refrained from the use
`
`94 is adapted for the reception of a sleeve or the like of 5
`of an ordinary cable for the reason that driving connec­
`at 96. The frictional
`
`
`suitable friction material, indicated
`tion could not be made thereto. According to the present
`material 96 and the mounting thereof on the wooden
`
`invention, I provide an improved pulley means at the
`sleeve 94 may be such as desired for various installations
`drive end of the cable for imparting positive movement
`and may suitably comprise a sleeve of brake shoe ma­
`a strip 10
`thereto to effect operation and movement of the door.
`terial or the like. However, I preferably provide
`As shown in Figure 5, the improved pulley means of the
`of leather spirally wound on the sleeve 94 to form a
`
`present invention, the pulley being indicated generally
`sleeve of friction material about the periphery of the
`at 8G, comprises a pair of pulley sections 112 which are
`sleeve 94. Disposed over the top of the friction ma­
`terial 96 is a sleeve 98 having engagement, but not inti­
`
`
`outwardly and oppositely flared at the peripheral por­
`mate binding engagement, with the friction material 95. 15
`tions thereof to provide a generally V-shaped groove
`The sleeve 98 is preferably formed of metal and is
`adapted for the reception of the cable 44. The plate
`adapted to be clutched to the motor shaft 92 by means
`sections H2 are preferably
`formed of sheet metal and
`96. Adjacent the outer end
`of the friction matereial
`
`
`have a certain degree of resiliency with respect to one
`thereof, the sleeve 93 is provided with a laterally
`extend-
`another so as to be able to flex apart slightly. The
`ing portion 130, which may suitably comprise a generally 20
`angle defined by the flared portion of the two plates is
`U-shaped clip, adapted for the reception of a clevis 102.
`
`preferably approximately 30°. Between the two plate
`
`The clevis 102 is connected to a tie rod 104 which extends
`sections 112, the pulley 11� may include a center plate
`radially outward of the sleeve 93 in the direction
`of the
`
`114 to which the sections 112 are secured. As shown, thf'
`wheel 84 and is anchored at the free end thereof
`friction
`edge of the center plate 114 is
`to the housing 32 by means of an eye bolt 106 extend-25
`marginal or peripheral
`ing through the wall of the housing. The tie rod 104
`
`preferably disposed slightly inward of the bottom of the
`v-shaped groove defined by the plate sections 112 so
`
`preferably extends radially of both the motor shaft 92
`wheel 84 and is preferably
`that the portions of the plate sections extending radially
`and the friction
`anchored to
`the housing 32 at a point slightly
`outward of the plate 114 are adapted to flex with respect
`beyond the axis of the
`
`wheel 84 in a direction away from the motor shaft 92.
`
`30 to one a."lother. However, the sections 112 may be
`As will be apparent, the tie rod 104 normally tends
`
`
`suitably secured together in abutting relation, preferably
`to prevent rotation of the sleeve 93 as motion is imparted
`at points spaced inwardly of the apex of the V. Due
`to the sleeve from the shaft 92 through the clutch means
`
`
`
`to the resiliency or capability of t1exation of the plate
`sections 112, the pulley SO, when actuated, positively
`96. However, since the motor 38 is pivotally
`mounted
`
`at 90 and since the friction sleeve 86 is normally spaced 35
`grasps the cable 44 by wedging the same between the
`
`from the peripheral surface of the friction wheel 84,
`pulley sections to impart positive driving movement
`slight rotary movement will be imparted to the sleeve 98
`thereto. I have found that the cable may have a sub­
`stantial amount of slack therein and yet the pulley 30
`of the motor 92 so that the sleeve
`upon actuation
`will
`tend to wind the tie rod 104 thereon. The tie rod 104
`will so grasp the cable 44 as to impart movement there­
`being anchored to the housing 32 thus serves the pur-40
`to unless the door is blocked by some obstacle that will
`moving the motor 88 towards the fric­
`pose of pivotally
`
`
`present considerably more resistance to movement than
`
`tion wheel 84 to thus bring the friction sleeve 86 into
`would be met with in normal operation of the door.
`
`
`frictional engagement with the peripheral surface of the
`When such an obstacle is engaged by the door, the pulley
`8() does not merely slip freely with respect to the cable
`wheel 84 so that motion is imparted to the fric­
`friction
`44, but alternately
`
`tion wheel 84 from the motor 88. Due to possible bind-45
`grasps and releases the cable so that
`
`ing between the sleeve 36 and the friction wheel 84, the
`
`positive driving connection will be immediately reestab-
`motor 88 may upon occasion be unable to disengage the
`lished upon removal of the obstacle.
`Due to the provision of a relatively large friction wheel
`
`
`
`
`
`friction wheel and sleeve as a result of its weight alone.
`S4, to the provision of a relatively
`sleeve 86 away from the
`small friction sleeve
`To assist in moving the friction
`
`wheel 84, the tie rod 10-'l is preferably formed of springy 50
`on the motor shaft and due to the high degree of fric­
`urge the sleeves 98 and
`tional engagement between the sleeve 86 and the wheel
`metallic stock so as to resiliently
`86 away from the wheel 84 when the motor is not ener­
`84, as is provided by forming both members of rubber,
`for the tie rod 104, which I
`the motor 33 may be of extremely small size. I have
`gized. Suitable material
`fmmd, for example, that a motor having a rating of
`have found to be highly practical in use, is a conventional
`
`55 lAo H P. is entirely adequate for operating the door of
`bicycle wheel spoke.
`wheel 34 from
`As motion is imparted to the friction
`private garages.
`With reference to the housing 32 for enclosing the
`the motor 38, substantial
`
`tangential forces are encoun­
`tered and while the pivotal mounting 90 of the motor 88
`major portion of the operating means of the present in­
`vention, I have shown in Figmes l, 4 and 5 portions of
`
`may, in most cases, be sufficient to counteract the tan­
`60
`
`the operating mechanism extending exteriorly of the
`
`gential force, I prefer to provide means for positively
`housing. If the motor is provided with
`holding the free end of the motor drive shaft against dis­
`a fuse it is de-
`wheel 34. As
`sirable to have the portion of the motor containing the
`
`placement tangentially of the friction
`shown in Figure 5, a collar 108 is rotatably mounted
`
`fuse extending exteriorly of the housing. However, with
`on the sleeve 93 and is provided at the opposite sides
`respect to the other portions of the operating means that
`J have shown extending exteriorly
`to the plane of the tie rod 65
`of the case, it will be
`thereof, in a plane transverse
`104, with a pair of ties 11\J extending radially of the
`
`app:-eciated that the case can be enlarged to fully en-
`shaft 92 and suitably
`anchored at spaced points to the
`
`compass those portions. The housing 32 may be formed
`housing 32 to prevent movement of the shaft 92 tan­
`
`of any suitable material, such as, wood, various types of
`wheel 84. To re­
`
`gentially with respect to the friction
`
`plastics, or the like. However, it is preferred that the
`casing 34 for the electrical
`tain the clutch and driving means on the shaft of the iO
`apparatus of the present in­
`motor, an end plate 109 is secured in abutting relation
`
`vention be of fire proof construction, such as being
`to the sleeves 94 and 9S by means of nuts 111 threaded
`formed of metal.
`on the shaft 92.
`The circuit means of the present invention will be
`but as shown in Figure 4,
`described in detail hereinafter,
`
`
`As briefly pointed out hereinbefore, considerable dif­
`the casing 34 for the circuit means is provided in the
`in the past with respect to 75
`ficulty has been encountered
`
`

`

`2,756,990
`8
`7
`vided with a trip rod or lever 143 which extends exteriorly
`wall thereof adjacent the motor 88 with a four pole
`
`of the housing 32 and terminates at its free end in a loop
`
`female power socket 116 adapted for the reception of a
`one run of the cable 44. The run of the
`1511 encircling
`mating male socket US constituting
`the power leads to
`cable 44 encircled
`by the loop 150 is opposite the run of
`the motor 88. Preferably in the top wall thereof, the
`the cable on which the stops 56 and 53 are provided.
`casing 34 is provided with a three pole male power socket 5
`As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the frames 50 and 74 of
`
`120, which is preferably recessed with respect to the wall
`the two embodiments of the carriage described herein­
`of the casing, adapted for the reception of a mating fe­
`before, are each provided with an abutment portion 152
`
`male plug from an electrical supply source. Adjacent
`adapted to engage the free end of the rod 136, in the
`the socket 120, a four pole female socket 122 is provided.
`manner shown in Figure 3, when the door is moved to
`The socket 122 is adapted for the reception of a mating 10
`a position adjacent its full open position. Accordingly,
`power lead from the receiver of remote radi.o control ap­
`
`as the door is moved in an opening direction and rear­
`
`paratus or the like for remotely energizing the operating
`wardly along the ceiling of the garage, the abutment por­
`
`means of the present invention, as will become more
`tion 152 of the movable carriage will engage the rod 136
`fully apparent hereinafter. The socket 122 is provided
`to move the rod 136 inwardly with respect to the housing
`to adapt the device of the 15
`
`principally as a convenience
`to effect actuation of the switches 126 and 128 to stop
`present invention for actuation by remote radio control
`operation
`of the motor and to condition the motor for
`
`apparatus, but is not required. Accordingly, to render
`
`
`
`operation in the reverse direction upon the next energiza­
`
`the construction and the assembly of the device more
`
`tion thereof. As pointed out hereinbefore, the latch 144
`
`economical, the socket 122 may be readily omitted in
`retains the bracket 138 and the rod 136 in the position to
`instances wherein radio control . is not to be provided. 20
`which moved by the abutment portion 152 of the movable
`
`As will be apparent from the foregoing, all of the power
`
`carriage. When the motor is again energized, the door
`sockets are so arranged and related to one another that
`
`will be operated in the reverse direction and as the same
`any danger of exposure to energized leads is eliminated.
`the latch 144
`is lowered and approaches its closed position,
`On one of the walls �hereof disnosed to the exterior of
`the housing 32, the casing 34 is provided with a terminal 25
`is tripped to release the carriage 133 and rod 136 to actuate
`the switches 126 and 123 to stop operation of the motor
`plate or assembly 124 adapted to receive the leads from
`and to condition the motor for operation of the device
`suitable actuating means for the device of the present
`in door opening direction. To trip the latch 144 as the
`
`invention. As will be pointed out hereinafter, the termi­
`
`
`door approaches its closed position, a cam, trigger, or the
`nals 124 are subjected only to a very low voltage and
`like 154 is provided on the run of the cable 44 which
`the same may be exposed as shown in Figure 30
`accordingly
`extends through the loop portion 150 of the trip rod Jl43.
`4. As shown in Figure 4, three terminals are provided
`comprises a sleeve encircling and
`The cam 154 preferably
`
`at the .plate 124, but as will become apparent in the fol­
`secured to the cable 44 and provided on its
`adjustably
`
`lowing description of the circuit means of the present in­
`
`
`engag-�m ter surface with suitable material for frictionally
`vention, the terminal plate 124 may carry two, three, or
`35 mg the loop 150 of the trip rod 148. The size of the cam
`
`
`
`more terminals, as required for particular installations.
`154, however, is such as to pass through the loop 150
`The circuit means of the present invention includes
`after the trip rod has been actuated so that coasting of the
`a pair of switches 126 and 128 mounted within the
`door may occur, if desired, without danger of damage to
`casing 34 and each having an actuator 13() extending
`the operating mechanism of the present invention. As
`through a wall of the casing. The switches 126 and 128
`
`
`vtill be apparent, actuation of the rod 148 will trin the latch
`each double pole double throw switches, 40
`are preferably
`144 to release the bracket 133 and rod 136 for :;novement
`one of which is adapted to serve as a limit switch, and
`under the urge of the spring :DA2.
`
`the other of which is adapted to serve as a switch for con­
`F:om t�e foregoing,
`
`it will be appreciated that the pres­
`ditioning the motor for operation in opposite directions.
`
`ent mventwn by providing a single limit switch disposed
`
`For purposes of convenience, the switch 126 will be re­
`
`remotely of the door, or at least remotely of the door
`ferred to as a limit switch for breaking the motor circuit 45
`
`when the door is closed, for controlling the limits of move-
`at both limits of door movement and the switch 128
`ment of the door in both directions provides substantial
`
`will be referred to as a conditioning switch.
`advantages and economies in devices of the general char­
`At the portion thereof mounting the casing 34, the
`acte�. In its preferred
`
`embodiment, the present invention
`
`housing 32 is provided with a pair of spaced parallel walls
`provides means for varying the effective length of the rod
`adapted for 50
`132 and 134 provided with aligned apertures
`136 so as to control the point at which the switches are
`
`
`the reception and guidance of a reciprocal actuating rod
`a�tuated. For example, the rod 136 could be provided
`
`136. At the portion thereof disposed between the walls
`With a stud threaded to the rod for adjustment,
`or the
`132 and 134, the rod 136 carries a generally U-shaped
`abutment 152 of the carriage 40 could carry an adjustable
`bracket 133 provided with a pair of apertures or slots in
`stud. By providing means for adjusting
`the base wall thereof adapted for the reception of the 55
`the length of the
`rod 136 and for adjusting
`the cam 154 on the cable 44
`actuators 130 of the switches U6 and 123. As will be
`and
`the present invention
`accommodates ready adjustment
`
`apparent, reciprocation of the rod 136 effects actuation
`se.ttmg of the limits at which the switches :l.Z6 and 128
`of the switches 126 and 128. The rod 136 includes a
`WI!l. be actuate.d. By providing a normally disengaged
`
`portion extending exteriorly of the housing 132 and adja­
`dnvmg connectwn between the motor 88 and the cable 44
`cent the free end thereof is provided with a collar 140. 60
`the present invention further provides for slight coastin�
`spring 142 is confined between the wall134
`A compression
`movement of the door after the motor has been stopped
`of the housing 32 and the collar 14@ on the rod 13:5 to
`so that the door may be moved with little force
`against
`normally bias the rod 136 outwardly with respect to the
`the abutment means defining the absolute limits of move­
`housin_g to normally move the s·Nitches
`me�t thereof. l!pon opening movement
`to one position
`of the door, the
`of t.h�1r movement. To retain the switches in their other 6.5
`spnng 142 provides a cushioning action for buffing the
`positiOn,
`�fter movement thereof, a latch 144 is pivotally
`movement of the door to its full open position. Further­
`moul!-ted m the housing 32 between the walls 132