Telescopic linear operator

Abstract

A linear operator for a sliding door, the linear operator comprising: a main body; a first wheel rotatably attached to the body at a first position on the body; an arm movably attached to the body, translatable in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body, and securable to the body at a desired translational position; a second wheel rotatably attached to the arm at a second position on the arm; and a conveyor extending between the first wheel and the second wheel, movable about the first wheel and the second wheel, and operable for attachment to a door; wherein, when the arm is in the desired translational position, a distance between the first position and the second position corresponds to a desired distance of movement of the door when the door is attached to the conveyor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electric door operators for sliding doors, and more particularly to electric door operators for elevator cars. Background Art

[0002] Sliding doors can be opened by electric door operators instead of manually. In general applications, electric door operators are used to open the doors of elevator cars. Such elevator door operators include harmonic type elevator door operators and linear type elevator door operators, each type of operator has relative advantages and disadvantages. For example, in many applications, harmonic operators last longer than linear operators, but are more difficult to install. Summary of the invention

[0003] It has been recognized that when a linear operator is used for an elevator door or other type of sliding door, the first step in installing the operator is to select an operator of the appropriate size. That is, to select an operator that is sized appropriately to ensure that the movement of the door by the operator is the movement required to properly open and close the door. For example, for a side-sliding elevator door, a linear operator is selected so that the size of the operator in the direction of door movement is sufficient to allow the door to fully open when a person wants to enter or exit the elevator car, and to fully close before the elevator car moves between floors. Therefore, installing or replacing a linear operator carries the burden of obtaining a linear operator of the correct size.

[0004] It has further been recognized that the burden of acquiring the correct size linear operator can be reduced or eliminated by providing an adjustable size or "telescopic" linear operator. A telescopic linear operator can be used in situations where the amount of door movement needs to be changed, thereby allowing a single telescopic linear operator to be used as a replacement for multiple non-telescopic linear operators. For example, an elevator installation and service company can stock one telescopic linear operator that can be used for a range of jobs, rather than stocking many non-telescopic linear operators in the hope that one of the non-telescopic operators is correctly sized for a given job.

[0005] In view of the burdens associated with obtaining the correct size linear operator for a given application and the desire for an adjustable linear operator, the presently disclosed technology is provided.The disclosed technology includes a telescoping linear operator that can be selectively sized for use in a range of applications.

[0006] According to aspects of the present technology, a linear operator for a sliding door comprises: a body; a first wheel rotatably attached to the body at a first position on the body; an arm movably attached to the body, translatable in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body, and fixed to the body at a desired translation position; a second wheel rotatably attached to the arm at a second position on the arm; and a conveyor extending between the first wheel and the second wheel, movable around the first wheel and the second wheel, and operable for attachment to a door; wherein, when the arm is in a desired translation position, the distance between the first position and the second position corresponds to a desired movement distance of the door when the door is attached to the conveyor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. Moreover, for the purpose of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In addition, the same reference numerals in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements.

[0008] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a telescopic linear operator in the fully retracted position.

[0009] Figure 1B is in the fully extended position Figure 1A A perspective view of a telescopic linear operator.

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A and Figure 1B A perspective view of a telescopic linear operator used in a side-sliding elevator car door arrangement.

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 2 An outline drawing of a telescopic linear operator used in a center-split elevator car door arrangement. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Examples of systems and methods are described herein. It should be understood that the words "example" and "exemplary" are used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or feature described herein as "example" or "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or features. In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part thereof. In the drawings, like reference numerals generally identify similar parts unless the context dictates otherwise. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein.

[0013] The example embodiments described herein are not intended to be limiting. It will be readily understood that the various aspects of the present disclosure as generally described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings may be arranged, substituted, combined, separated and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are expressly contemplated herein.

[0014] Figure 1A 1 is a perspective view of a telescopic linear manipulator 100 in a fully retracted position. The linear manipulator 100 includes a body 105 and an arm 110. The arm 110 is movably attached to the body 105 so that the arm 110 can translate or "telescope" in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis 115 of the body. Figure 1A In the embodiment of the present invention, the arm 110 is translated to the maximum extent toward the body 105, thereby placing the arm in the fully retracted position. Figure 1A In the example of , placing the arm in the fully retracted position is placing the arm 110 within the boundaries of the body 105. Figure 1A It can be further seen that the arm 110 includes a plurality of arm through holes 120, for example, arm through hole 120a and arm through hole 120b. The body 105 includes a plurality of body through holes that can be selectively aligned with the arm through holes 120, although these body through holes are Figure 1A When the arm 110 is in the desired translation position (e.g., Figure 1A When the arm 110 is in the fully retracted position (of the fully retracted position), the arm 110 can be fixed to the body 105 by aligning one or more arm through holes 120 with one or more body through holes and inserting one or more fasteners (e.g., bolts 125a and bolts 125b) into the aligned through holes. Figure 1A As shown, the arm through hole 120 may have an oval shape to allow an increased range of positions at which the arm 110 may be secured to the body 105 .

[0015] Figure 1A The linear manipulator 100 also includes a first wheel 130 rotatably attached to the body 105 at a first position 135 on the body 105, a second wheel 140 rotatably attached to the arm 110 at a second position 145 on the arm 110, and a conveyor 150 extending between the first wheel 130 and the second wheel 140. The conveyor 150 is movable around the first wheel 130 and the second wheel 140. Figure 1AIn the configuration of , the conveyor 150 has a first end 155a and a second end 155b configured to be attached to a conveyor clamp (not shown), and the conveyor clamp fills a space 160 between the first end 155a and the second end 155b, so that the conveyor 150 and the conveyor clamp form a closed loop around the first wheel 130 and the second wheel 140. The conveyor clamp is configured to be attached to a door bracket (not shown), which in turn is configured to be attached to a door (not shown). When the conveyor 150 is attached to the door via the conveyor clamp and the door bracket, the movement of the conveyor 150 around the first wheel 130 and the second wheel 140 moves the door, and can move the door between a fully open position and a fully closed position.

[0016] It should be noted that the conveyor 150 may not have a first end 155a or a second end 155b, and may itself form a closed loop. In such a configuration, a conveyor clamp may be attached to the closed loop conveyor, thereby providing an attachment point at which a door may be attached to the conveyor 150 via a door bracket, such that the conveyor 150 may move the door. It should be further noted that the conveyor 150 may take many alternative forms. For example, the conveyor 150 may take the form of a belt, cable, or chain.

[0017] Further, it should be noted that one or both of the first wheel 130 and the second wheel 140 may be sprocket-type wheels. In this case, the conveyor 150 may include grooves or holes for engaging the sprocket teeth on the first wheel 130 and / or the second wheel 140. In this way, the conveyor 150 can rotate with the first wheel 130 and / or the second wheel 140 without slipping.

[0018] Return to reference Figure 1A , the linear operator 100 may include a motor 165. The motor 165 may drive the shaft 170 located at the first position 135 and operate to rotate the first wheel 130, thereby moving the conveyor 150. Thus, the motor 165 may be configured to move a door coupled to the conveyor 150. Figure 1A In the arrangement of the embodiment, the shaft 170 is the central axis of the motor 165, however, it should be noted that other arrangements are possible. For example, the motor 165 can be offset from the shaft 170 and connected to the shaft 170 through one or more gears. In addition, the embodiments are not limited to the use of one motor. For example, some embodiments may include two motors, one motor attached to the body 105 and operable to drive the first wheel 130, and a second motor attached to the arm 110 and operable to drive the second wheel 140.

[0019] In any case, the linear operator 100 may also include a drive unit 175 for controlling one or more motors. For example, the drive unit 175 may control the motor 165. To this end, the drive unit 175 may include a power supply electrically connected to the motor 165 and a processor for selectively switching power from the power supply to the motor 165 as required by the motor 165 to open and close the door operated by the operator 100.

[0020] In addition, the linear operator 100 may include a base 180. Figure 1A As shown, the base 180 can be integral with or attached to the body 105. The base 180 is configured to facilitate secure attachment of the linear operator 100 near one or more doors to be controlled by the operator 100. For example, when the operator is mounted to control the door of an elevator car, the base 180 can be fixed to the elevator car door header.

[0021] Now turn to Figure 1B , which shows the fully extended position Figure 1A A perspective view of a telescopic linear manipulator 100 is shown. Figure 1B The linear operator 100 is not shown secured in the fully extended position; however, as shown in FIG. Figure 1B It can be seen that one or more arm through holes 205a, 205b, and 205c can be used to secure the arm 110 to the body 105 in the fully extended position. That is, each of the arm through holes 205a, 205b, and 205c is aligned with a corresponding body through hole, and the arm 110 can be secured to the body 105 by inserting one or more fasteners into one or more of these aligned through holes (e.g., by placing a bolt in one of these aligned through holes and securing the bolt with a nut). In addition, in Figure 1B In the configuration of , a longer conveyor is required to accommodate the increased distance between the first position 135 and the second position 140, and thus Figure 1BIn the configuration of , the linear operator 100 uses a conveyor 210 that is longer than the conveyor 150. Nevertheless, the conveyor 210 may have the same or similar structure as the conveyor 150. Regardless, the conveyor 210 extends between the first wheel 130 and the second wheel 140, is movable around the first wheel 130 and the second wheel 140, and has a first end 215a and a second end 215b. The first end 215a and the second end 215b may be configured to be attached to a conveyor clamp (not shown) that fills the space 220 between the first end 215a and the second end 215b so that the conveyor 210 and the conveyor clamp form a closed loop around the first wheel 130 and the second wheel 140. The conveyor clamp is configured to be attached to a door bracket (not shown), which in turn is configured to be attached to a door (not shown). When the conveyor 210 is attached to the door via the conveyor clamp and the door bracket, movement of the conveyor 210 about the first wheel 130 and the second wheel 140 can move the door between an open position and a closed position. Figure 1A Compared with the linear operation structure, Figure 1B The linear operation structure provides a larger door movement range.

[0022] Now turn to Figure 2 , the figure is Figure 1A and Figure 1B A perspective view of a telescoping linear operator 100 used in a sidesliding elevator car door arrangement 300 of an elevator car. Figure 2 The view from the outside of the elevator car, looking at the front of the elevator car from inside the elevator shaft. Figure 2 In the arrangement of Figure 1A fully retracted position and Figure 1B between the fully extended position. Figure 2 In the arrangement of , the linear operator 100 is configured to move the sliding door 310 in a closing direction indicated by arrow 315 and in an opening direction indicated by arrow 320, both of which are parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 115 of the linear operator 100. The operator 100 can move the door 310 between a fully closed position and a fully open position. Figure 2 , door 310 is shown in a fully open position.

[0023] To allow the door 310 to move, the door 310 is attached to two rollers 325a and 325b. The rollers 325a and 325b are in turn positioned within a track 330, and the track 330 is fixed to the header 335 of the elevator car, wherein the header 335 is attached to the car wall 340 of the elevator car. The rollers 325a and 325b allow the door 310 to move along the track 330 between a fully closed position and a fully open position. Figure 2 As can be seen in FIG. 3 , when in the fully open position, the door 310 is located behind the car wall 340 from the perspective of an observer inside the car.

[0024] To provide the desired movement of the door 310, the linear operator 100 may be oriented parallel or substantially parallel to the track 330 and secured to the upper sill 335. Figure 2 335, but other configurations are possible. Further, the door 310 is attached to the linear operator 100 via a door bracket 345 and a conveyor clamp 350, which is part of or attached to a conveyor 355 of the linear operator 100. When the motor 165 rotates the first wheel 130, the first wheel 130 moves the conveyor 355, which in turn moves the conveyor clamp 350, the door bracket 345, and the door 310. Rotation of the first wheel 130 in a counterclockwise direction moves the door 310 in a closing direction 315, while rotation of the first wheel 130 in a clockwise direction moves the door 310 in an opening direction 320.

[0025] Figure 2 Also shown is a gate switch 360 for providing an indication that the door 310 is in the fully closed position. The gate switch 360 may be provided as part of the linear operator 100 or as an attachment to the linear operator 100. In any case, the gate switch 360 may be electrically coupled to the drive unit 175 and actuated by a roller (not shown) attached to the conveyor clamp 350. When the roller activates the gate switch 360, the gate switch sends a signal to the drive unit 175 indicating that the door 310 is in the fully closed position. Thus, a failsafe is provided to prevent the elevator car from moving without the door 310 being fully closed.

[0026] Reference now Figure 3 , the figure is Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 2 An outline view of a telescoping linear operator 100 for use in a center-split elevator car door arrangement 400 is provided. Figure 3 The view is from outside the elevator car, looking at the front of the elevator car from inside the elevator shaft. Figure 3 In the arrangement of Figure 1A fully retracted position and Figure 1B between the fully extended position. Figure 3 In the arrangement, the linear operator 100 is configured to move the first elevator car door 405a and the second elevator car door 450b in a respective closing direction and a respective opening direction. For the first door 405a, the closing direction is indicated by arrow 410a and the opening direction is indicated by arrow 410b. For the second door 405b, the closing direction is indicated by arrow 415a and the opening direction is indicated by arrow 415b. Each of the closing directions 410a and 415a and the opening directions 410b and 415b is parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 115 of the linear operator 100. The operator 100 can move the doors 405a and 405b between a fully closed position and a fully open position indicated by dashed line 420. In Figure 3 , door 405a and door 405b are shown in a fully open position.

[0027] To allow movement of the doors 405a and 405b, the doors 405a and 405b are attached to respective roller pairs 425 and 430. The roller pairs 425 and 430 are positioned within a track 435, and the track 435 is fixed to an upper sill 440 of the elevator car, wherein the upper sill 440 is attached to a car wall (not shown) of the elevator car. The roller pairs 425 and 430 allow the doors 405a and 405b to move along the direction of the track 435 between a fully closed position of the doors 405a and 405b and a fully open position of the doors 405a and 405b, respectively. Typically, when the doors 405a and 405b are in their fully open positions, the doors 405a and 405b are located behind the car wall from the perspective of an observer inside the car.

[0028] To provide the desired movement of doors 405a and 405b, linear operator 100 may be oriented parallel or substantially parallel to track 435 and secured to upper sill 440. Figure 3In the arrangement of, the base 180 of the linear operator 100 is fixed to the top of the upper sill 440, but other configurations are possible. Further, the first door 405a is attached to the linear operator 100 by a first door bracket 445a and a first conveyor clamp 450a, the first conveyor clamp 450a is part of or attached to the conveyor 455 of the linear operator 100; the second door 405b is attached to the linear operator 100 by a second door bracket 445b and a second conveyor clamp 450b, the second conveyor clamp 450b is part of or attached to the conveyor 455 of the linear operator 100. It is noteworthy that the first conveyor clamp 450a is attached to the conveyor 455 at the lower conveyor position 455a, and the second conveyor clamp 450b is attached to the conveyor 455 at the upper conveyor position 455b. In this way, when the motor 165 rotates the first wheel 130 in the counterclockwise direction, the first wheel 130 moves the conveyor 455, causing the conveyor clamp 450a, the door bracket 445a, and the door 405a to move in the closing direction 410a of the door 405a; and causing the conveyor clamp 450b, the door bracket 445b, and the door 405b to move in the closing direction 415a of the door 405b. Similarly, when the motor 165 rotates the first wheel 130 in the clockwise direction, the first wheel 130 moves the conveyor 455, causing the conveyor clamp 450a, the door bracket 445a and the door 405a to move in the opening direction 410b of the door 405a; and causing the conveyor clamp 450b, the door bracket 445b and the door 405b to move in the opening direction 415b of the door 405b.

[0029] exist Figure 3 In the configuration of , the conveyor 455 is formed by a first portion 460 and a second portion 465. The first portion 460 has a first end 460a and a second end 460b, and the second portion 465 has a first end 465a and a second end 465b. The first conveyor clamp 450a couples the first end 460a of the first portion 460 to the first end 465a of the second portion 465. The second conveyor clamp 450b couples the second end 460b of the first portion 460 to the second end 465b of the second portion 465.

[0030] It should be noted that Figure 3The configuration of the conveyor 455 depicted in is illustrative only. The conveyor 455 need not be formed of two parts. For example, the conveyor 455 itself may form a closed loop without the need for the first conveyor clamp 450a and the second conveyor clamp 450b. In such a configuration, the first conveyor clamp and the second conveyor clamp may be attached to the closed loop conveyor 455, wherein the first conveyor clamp is attached to the conveyor 455 at a lower conveyor position 455a and the second conveyor clamp is attached to the conveyor 455 at an upper conveyor position 455b. Thus, corresponding attachment of the door bracket 445a and the door bracket 445b to the door 405a and the door 405b is provided, thereby enabling the conveyor 455 to move the door 405a and the door 405b in a center-split manner. In addition, as shown in Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 2 In the case of a conveyor 455, the conveyor 455 may take a number of alternative forms, such as a belt, cable or chain.

[0031] Embodiments of the present technology include, but are not limited to, the following.

[0032] (1) A linear operator for a sliding door, the linear operator comprising: a body; a first wheel, the first wheel being rotatably attached to the body at a first position on the body; an arm, the arm being movably attached to the body, the arm being translatable in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body, and the arm being fixed to the body at a desired translation position; a second wheel, the second wheel being rotatably attached to the arm at a second position on the arm; and a conveyor extending between the first wheel and the second wheel, being movable around the first wheel and the second wheel, and being operable to be attached to a door; wherein, when the arm is in a desired translation position, the distance between the first position and the second position corresponds to a desired movement distance of the door when the door is attached to the conveyor.

[0033] (2) The linear operator according to (1), further comprising a motor for driving the first wheel.

[0034] (3) The linear operator according to (2), wherein the motor drives the shaft at the first position, and the motor is operable to rotate the first wheel.

[0035] (4) The linear operator according to (2), further comprising a drive unit for supplying power to the motor.

[0036] (5) The linear operator according to (4), wherein the drive unit includes a power source and a processor for selectively switching power from the power source to the motor.

[0037] (6) The linear operator according to (1), wherein the body includes a base for attaching the linear operator to a door sill.

[0038] (7) A linear operator according to (1), wherein the arm includes a plurality of arm through holes and the body includes a plurality of body through holes, and when the arm is in a desired translational position, the plurality of arm through holes and the plurality of body through holes are operable to secure the arm to the body by aligning at least one of the arm through holes with at least one of the body through holes and securing one or more fasteners in the aligned through holes.

[0039] (8) The linear operator according to (7), wherein the arm through-hole has an elliptical shape to allow an increase in the range of positions at which the arm can be fixed to the body.

[0040] (9) The linear operator according to (1), wherein the conveyor is in the form of a closed loop.

[0041] (10) The linear operator of (9), further comprising at least one conveyor clamp coupled to the conveyor.

[0042] (11) The linear operator of (10), wherein the at least one conveyor clamp is configured to be attached to a door bracket, and the door bracket is configured to be attached to the door.

[0043] (12) The linear operator of (1), wherein the conveyor has a first end and a second end, and the linear operator further comprises a conveyor clamp for coupling the first end to the second end.

[0044] (13) The linear operator of (12), wherein the conveyor clamp is configured to be attached to a door bracket, and the door bracket is configured to be attached to the door.

[0045] (14) The linear operator of (1), wherein the conveyor includes at least one of a belt, a cable, or a chain.

[0046] (15) The linear operator according to (1), wherein at least one of the first wheel and the second wheel is a sprocket-type wheel.

[0047] (16) The linear operator according to (1), further comprising a gate switch.

[0048] (17) A linear operator according to (1), wherein the conveyor is in the form of a closed loop, and wherein the linear operator further comprises a first conveyor clamp and a second conveyor clamp, the first conveyor clamp being connected to a lower portion of the conveyor and the second conveyor clamp being connected to an upper portion of the conveyor.

[0049] (18) A linear operator according to (17), wherein the first conveyor clamp is configured to be attached to a first door bracket, and the first door bracket is configured to be attached to the door, and wherein the second conveyor clamp is configured to be attached to a second door bracket, and the second door bracket is configured to be attached to the second door.

[0050] (19) A linear operator according to (1), wherein the conveyor includes a first part and a second part, the first part having a first end and a second end, and the second part having a first end and a second end, and wherein the linear operator also includes a first conveyor clamp and a second conveyor clamp, the first conveyor clamp being used to connect the first end of the first part to the first end of the second part, and the second conveyor clamp being used to connect the second end of the first part to the second end of the second part.

[0051] (20) A linear operator according to (19), wherein the first conveyor clamp is configured to be attached to a first door bracket, and the first door bracket is configured to be attached to the door, and wherein the second conveyor clamp is configured to be attached to a second door bracket, and the second door bracket is configured to be attached to the second door.

[0052] Although the present disclosure has been described herein with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are only illustrative of the principles and applications of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that various modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments, and other arrangements may be designed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A linear operator for a sliding door, the linear operator comprising: main body; a first wheel rotatably attached to the body at a first location on the body; an arm movably attached to the body, the arm being translatable in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body, and the arm being securable to the body at a desired translational position; a second wheel rotatably attached to the arm at a second location on the arm; as well as a conveyor extending between the first wheel and the second wheel, movable about the first wheel and the second wheel, and operable for attachment to a door, Wherein, when the arm is in a desired translational position, the distance between the first position and the second position corresponds to a desired movement distance of the door when the door is attached to the conveyor.

2. The linear operator of claim 1, further comprising a motor for driving the first wheel.

3. The linear operator according to claim 2, wherein: The motor drives a shaft at the first location, and the motor is operable to rotate the first wheel. 4 . The linear operator according to claim 2 , further comprising a driving unit for supplying power to the motor.

5. The linear operator according to claim 4, wherein: The drive unit includes a power source and a processor for selectively switching power from the power source to the motor.

6. The linear operator according to claim 1, wherein: The body includes a base for attaching the linear operator to a door sill.

7. The linear operator according to claim 1, wherein: The arm includes a plurality of arm through holes, and the body includes a plurality of body through holes. When the arm is in a desired translational position, the plurality of arm through holes and the plurality of body through holes are operable to secure the arm to the body by aligning at least one of the arm through holes with at least one of the body through holes and securing one or more fasteners in the aligned through holes.

8. The linear operator according to claim 7, wherein: The arm through hole has an oval shape to allow an increased range of positions at which the arm can be fixed to the body.

9. The linear operator according to claim 1, wherein: The conveyor is in the form of a closed loop.

10. The linear operator according to claim 9, wherein: The linear operator also includes at least one conveyor clamp coupled to the conveyor.

11. The linear operator according to claim 10, wherein: The at least one conveyor clamp is configured to attach to a door bracket, and the door bracket is configured to attach to the door.

12. The linear operator according to claim 1, wherein: The conveyor has a first end and a second end, and the linear operator further includes a conveyor clamp for coupling the first end to the second end.

13. The linear operator according to claim 12, wherein: The conveyor clamp is configured to attach to a door bracket, and the door bracket is configured to attach to the door.

14. The linear operator according to claim 1, wherein: The conveyor includes at least one of a belt, a cable or a chain.

15. The linear operator according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the first wheel and the second wheel is a sprocket-type wheel.

16. The linear operator of claim 1, further comprising a gate switch.

17. The linear operator according to claim 1, wherein: The conveyor is in the form of a closed loop, and wherein the linear operator further comprises a first conveyor clamp coupled to a lower portion of the conveyor and a second conveyor clamp coupled to an upper portion of the conveyor.

18. The linear operator according to claim 17, wherein: The first conveyor clamp is configured to attach to a first door bracket, and the first door bracket is configured to attach to the door, and wherein the second conveyor clamp is configured to attach to a second door bracket, and the second door bracket is configured to attach to a second door.

19. The linear operator according to claim 1, wherein: The conveyor includes a first part and a second part, the first part has a first end and a second end, and the second part has a first end and a second end, and wherein the linear operator also includes a first conveyor clamp and a second conveyor clamp, the first conveyor clamp is used to connect the first end of the first part to the first end of the second part, and the second conveyor clamp is used to connect the second end of the first part to the second end of the second part.

20. The linear operator according to claim 19, wherein: The first conveyor clamp is configured to attach to a first door bracket, and the first door bracket is configured to attach to the door, and wherein the second conveyor clamp is configured to attach to a second door bracket, and the second door bracket is configured to attach to a second door.

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