Underground door operating apparatus and method

摘要

A door assembly includes a door automatically operable relative to a floor and further comprises an electromechanical power device disposed beneath the floor and providing a rotary output on a shaft. The support apparatus includes a spindle adapted to receive power from the rotary shaft beneath the floor and to extend above the floor into a coupled relationship with the door. A bearing included in the support apparatus supports the spindle and at least a portion of the weight of the door beneath the floor. The electromechanical device can be of the type commonly used in overhead systems, in which case the power device can be retrofitted with the support apparatus for disposition beneath the floor. A coupling mechanism in the support apparatus can include pulleys, sprockets and gears, and power transfer devices such as belts and chains.